Exclusive: Reading FC agree deal to sign Swansea City player | OneFootball

The Royals are closing in on a deal to sign Ricardo Santos

League One side Reading are closing in on a deal for Swansea City defender Ricardo Santos after agreeing a fee with the Championship club, Football League World understands.

The Royals have been keen to add defensive reinforcements in this January window and the club are now close to sealing a deal for Santos, as the Berkshire outfit look to add experience and physical presence at the back.

Talks between the two sides have progressed smoothly, with a permanent move now in place subject to personal terms and a medical.

Santos, 30, has struggled for regular minutes at Swansea and will now head down to League One to aid Leam Richardson's side's push for a play-off spot.

Ricardo Santos set for Reading switch

The centre-back has featured in just one game for the Welsh outfit in this campaign, with his sole appearance coming from off the bench in a 3-0 defeat away to Bristol City at the end of November.

Swans boss Vitor Matos is willing to allow Santos to move on as he looks to reshape the squad to his liking as they aim to push further up the second tier table.

Personal terms are still being discussed, but there is confidence the move will be completed in the coming days.

Should the deal go through, Santos would arrive with a point to prove and the chance to become a key figure in Reading’s back line, competing with the likes of Paudie O'Connor, Finley Burns and Derrick Williams for a starting berth.

Ricardo Santos has struggled with injury

The Cape Verde international did miss the opening months of the season after suffering a knee injury in a pre-season friendly at Cheltenham, and had since picked up a hip problem - but he's now available for selection.

Santos arguably enjoyed his best football when playing in League One for Bolton Wanderers, he was widely revered as one of the division's best defenders prior to his switch to south Wales.

Meanwhile, the Royals head to London on Saturday as they take on Leyton Orient, looking to push further up the table.

Richardson's side have been on an excellent run of form of late in League One, winning four of their last five third tier matches as they sit in ninth spot.