Former Reading FC star Thomas Ince is set to continue his Football League career with League Two side Tranmere Rovers after leaving Championship club Watford.
The 34-year-old is understood to be close to agreeing a free transfer to Prenton Park following the expiry of his contract at Vicarage Road at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Ince first joined Reading on a loan deal from Stoke City before signing permanelty for the club that summer under manager, and father, Paul Ince.
He quickly established himself as one of the Royals’ standout performers, providing creativity and experience as the club battled relegation and off-field uncertainty.
Ince scored nine goal in 38 Championship apperances but couldn’t help to save the team from relegation as they dropped to the third tier for the first time in two decades.
He left the Select Car Leasing Stadium in 2023 and joined Championship side Watford for a nominal fee having had a relegation fee inserted into his contract at Reading.
Ince featured regularly for the Hornets during the 2025/26 campaign but was among the players released following the end of the season.
Tranmere are now expected to secure the experienced midfielder’s signature as manager Darrell Clarke looks to add proven EFL quality to his squad ahead of the new League Two campaign.
Tranmere narrowly survived relegation to the National League as they finished in 21st place in League Two last campaign
The former England Under-21 international has made more than 500 senior appearances during a career spanning almost two decades.
As well as Reading and Watford, Ince has represented Liverpool, Notts County, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Hull City, Derby County, Huddersfield Town, Stoke City and Luton Town.
