Reading sign Tyler Blackett from Manchester United on three-year deal
Tuesday 23 August 2016 08:54, UK
Tyler Blackett has joined Championship side Reading from Manchester United on a three-year deal.
Reading boss Jaap Stam, who was a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United defence between 1998 and 2001, had previously admitted his side had shown an interest in Blackett but was unsure if the club would be able to lure the 22-year-old away from Old Trafford.
But Blackett, who has ended his 14-year association with Manchester United, has moved to the Madejski Stadium after several loan spells away from Old Trafford.
"As we know, Tyler is a talented defender who has played for United's first team," Stam told Reading's official website.
"He can play as a left-back or a left-sided centre-back; he has got great potential in the sense that he is quick and athletic, defensively he is strong and he is good at set-pieces.
"As a defender he can go and play high up the pitch as well, and that is what we need in the squad."
Manchester United also confirmed the deal, wishing Blackett - who signed a professional deal under Ferguson at the age of 19 - good luck at his new club on social media.
The defender earned 10 Premier League appearances under Louis van Gaal in the 2014/15 season but spent much of the last campaign on loan at Celtic.
Blackett was in attendance as Reading drew 2-2 with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, and has been handed the squad No 24 at the club.
Reading chief executive Nigel Howe added: "We are very pleased that Tyler has chosen to join us at Madejski Stadium and be a part of this Reading squad. He is another young talented footballer who we hope will continue to blossom during his time with us."
