CHRIS Gunter is on the verge of leaving Reading FC to join Garry Monk's recently relegated Middlesbrough, the Chronicle understands.

Monk took the helm at Riverside after Boro crashed out of the Premier League after just one season and he already has a wealth of targets in mind.

It is understood that one of those targets is right-back Gunter, who was a mainstay in Jaap Stam's side last season, missing just nine minutes of league football.

But former Swansea star Monk wants a deal for Gunter pushed through quickly so the 27-year-old can join Boro's pre-season tour in Portugal next week.

Reports suggest Gunter has a £1m release clause in his contract which, if activated, would free him to talk to potential suitors.

Royals' boss Stam insisted he wanted to keep hold of his star players over the summer, but could face a tussle to keep Gunter at Madejski Stadium.

A dejected Gunter after Reading's loss to Huddersfield in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Aston Villa, Swansea City and Leeds United are all said to be interest in the full-back's services.

And Stam has already made signing a new right-back one of his transfer priorities this summer, having already been linked with Barsnley's Andy Yiadom, Celtic's Saidy Janko and Derby's Cyrus Christie.

Meanwhile free agent Danny Williams is thought to be on the verge of securing his dream Premier League move by signing for top-flight new boys Huddersfield Town.

An official announcement is expected to be made today (Tuesday).

Player of the season Ali Al-Habsi is rumoured to have penned a deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal but Reading FC are remaining tight-lipped on the rumour.