Reading FC are closing in on completing a deal to sign centre-back Ben Ward from Accrington Stanley in the January transfer window.
With a little over a week to until the window closes, the Royals are keen to bolster their options in defence and have reportedly agreed a fee of around £500,000 to sign Ward from the League Two outfit.
The 22-year-old defender has impressed for Accrington this season having signed from Burnley last January,
Ward originally moved to Turf Moor after standing out in non-league football with Hastings United, having previously spent time in Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy as a youngster.
In December, it emerged that the defender’s rapid development had sparked League One interest, with both Bradford City and Reading monitoring his progress. Wigan Athletic were also reported to have matched Reading’s bid, but the Berkshire club appear to have won the race for his signature.
Ward made 27 appearances in all competitions for Accrington Stanley this season, scoring two goals.
Leam Richardson has already added to his squad this month with the loan signings of right-back Ryan Nyambe and striker Will Keane.
Reading also signed left-back Haydon Roberts on a permanent deal from Bristol City and he marked his Royals debut with a goal against Barnsley on Saturday.
