READING FC have completed their first signing of the January transfer window by capturing Cesare Casadei on loan from Chelsea.
The Royals are still under a transfer embargo but are able to complete free transfers or loan deals and are close to agreeing a deal for the Italian midfielder.
The 20-year-old joined the West London club last summer from Inter Milan for around €20million.
He has represented Italy at all youth levels all the way up to U21s
Reading currently have all of the spots in their 25-man squad filled which means that they will have to move someone on to register the loanee.
The Royals already have an established relationship with the Blues and currently have left-back Baba Rahman on loan for the second successive campaign.
Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to secure the services of a dynamic young player with energy, enthusiasm, ability and a lot of potential.
“This is a loan move that will benefit both the club and the player and I’m sure Cesare will hit the ground running and play an important role in the remaining 18 games of the campaign.”
Manager Paul Ince said, “Our midfield resources have been stretched all season and Casadei will bring us another option in the middle of the park. He is comfortable on the ball, powerful in possession and he looks like an intelligent player with the vision to read the game well.
“I am looking forward to working with Cesare on the training pitch this week.”
