• Premier League

Reading agree Pogrebnyak terms

ESPN staff
June 30, 2012
Pavel Pogrebnyak impressed at Fulham last season © PA Photos
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Newly promoted Reading have agreed terms with Pavel Pogrebnyak and say a deal for the Russian striker should be completed in the next few days.

Last week, Royals manager Brian McDermott confirmed the player was on his way and a statement on the club's official website on Saturday said: "Reading Football Club has agreed terms with Pavel Pogrebnyak.

"The player has already completed a medical and the deal is now only subject to the player obtaining a UK work permit. Reading Football Club anticipate completing the signing within the next seven days."

Pogrebnyak, 28, had been widely expected to join Fulham after impressing during the second half of last season, scoring six goals in 12 games, and McDermott says his signing shows Reading mean business on their return to the Premier League.

"The owner [Anton Zingarevich] had a chat with Pavel about six weeks ago, and I met him too," he said. "He showed us a lot of respect, and we're delighted to get him. It shows where we are going as a club.

"He's a great transfer - an excellent player - but what drew me more to him was that he is a good person, a good character. He works really hard for the team and fits into what all of my players have shown over the last season.

"Obviously, it was an advantage to me that Anton is Russian and could speak to him. But I wouldn't say we brought him in because he is Russian. He fits the mould of what we want."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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