George Evans has joined Reading on a three and a half year contract

Reading have announced that they have completed the signing of young midfielder George Evans from Manchester City on a three and a half year contract.

The 21-year-old came through the academy at City, and made his first-team debut when he came off the bench in the closing stages of a 4-1 Capital One Cup win at Sunderland in September.

He then spent time with Walsall on loan and made 16 appearances for the League One promotion-chasers, bagging four goals during a successful stint.

And Evans, who has also spent time on loan with Scunthorpe and Crewe, will now look to establish himself as a Championship regular with the Royals.

He told the Reading website: "I am absolutely delighted, it is a massive club.

"I am really excited about the opportunity and look forward to getting going.

"I had time on loan at Walsall which was a fantastic experienced for me and I then had a few opportunities for a permanent move and, as soon as I heard Reading were interested, it was an option I really wanted to take.

"It is a massive club. Great manager, great stadium."

Royals manager Brian McDermott said: "I am delighted we have secured the signing of George.

"I saw him play for Walsall while I was scouting for Arsenal and we've followed him ever since.

"He is a great guy and a terrific young midfielder with great pedigree, and I'm sure he will become an even better player working in our environment at Reading."

Chief executive Nigel Howe added: "I'm delighted George has decided to join Reading.

"He is a very promising young footballer who, with an excellent footballing education behind him and first team experience already under his belt, perfectly fits this football club."