Reading FC’s hopes of wrapping up a deal to sign experienced centre-back Ricardo Santos appear to have hit a stumbling block with a move currently off the table.
FootballLeagueWorld has reported that they believe that the player failed a medical which has led to a breakdown in the deal, however this has not been confirmed and reasons why the deal has collapsed are likely to remain unknown.
The Royals kicked off their January transfer window by adding seasoned forward Will Keane to their front line on a loan deal from Preston North End until the end of the campaign.
The pursuit of Santos had showed willing from the club to increase the depth at Leam Richardson’s disposal, with the club still keen to bolster their defence and other areas of the team.
The 30-year-old Portuguese-born defender had been linked with a permanent move to Reading during the January transfer window after struggling for game time at Swansea following his summer arrival. Reports earlier this week suggested that Reading had agreed a transfer fee for Santos and were hopeful of concluding personal terms and medical clearance.
Santos, who has extensive Football League experience with more than 200 appearances for Bolton Wanderers and had joined Swansea last year, was seen as a potential solution to Reading’s defensive needs as manager Leam Richardson looks to push for a play-off spot this season. Reading currently sit in the top half of the League One table and have struggled at times with the consistency of their back-line.
It remains unclear at this time who Reading may seek as an alternative to Santos, but Richardson is eager to add to his back line due to the inuury to Derrick Williams, who has performed excellently since arriving from the MLS on a free transfer in the summer.
Man City loanee Finley Burns has stepped in astutely in place of Williams, but it does appear that Richardson would like to add another centre-back to his squad.
Reading host Leyton Orient at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.
