Blackett close to Reading move

Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett is closing in on a permanent move to Championship side Reading, according to the Mirror.

The 22-year-old has been told by José Mourinho that he is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and looks to have found himself another club to ply his trade at, with the defender being spotted at the Madejski Stadium as Reading drew 2-2 with Brighton today:

Twitter: Tyler Blackett in the black hat #readingfc #manunited #tylerblackett https://t.co/BJtIZ4bBOR (@ronniemac93)

The Royals had been interested in signing the defender earlier this summer but opted to leave their options open and pursue other targets. However, it now seems that Blackett is close to signing for the Berkshire side, with talks reportedly underway between both parties.

Blackett is understood to be excited at the prospect of working with Reading manager Jaap Stam – himself a former United player and one of the best centre-backs in the world during his stint at the Theatre of Dreams and throughout his playing career.

Blackett made his debut under Louis van Gaal, having forced his way into the United first-team via a combination of good pre-season performances plus a defensive injury crisis during the Dutchman’s first season in charge of the Reds. He made 12 appearances in the 2014-15 season but was quickly found out to be less than United quality towards the end of that season.

The Mancunian-born centre-back was sent on loan to Scottish champions Celtic last season, where he barely featured – only making nine appearances in all competitions under Ronny Delia and spent most of his time in Glasgow playing with the Hoops’ reserve side.

Blackett is expected to compete with Jordan Obita for a place at left-back in the Reading side, although he is equally comfortable with playing as a centre-back.