Skip to main content

Royals close on Mariappa

By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: <a href= http://bit.ly/lsiOza' class='instorylink'>@skysportspeteo</a>

Friday 13 July 2012 09:01, UK

Adrian Mariappa: Poised to move to Premier League new boys Reading
Image: Adrian Mariappa: Poised to move to Premier League new boys Reading

Sky Sports understands Reading are closing in on the signing of Watford defender Adrian Mariappa.

More from Football

Reading to win race for Hornets stopper

Sky Sports understands Reading are closing in on the signing of Watford defender Adrian Mariappa. The Royals have been chasing Mariappa all summer and had a £2million bid rejected by Watford last month. Reading boss Brian McDermott is keen to bring in the highly-rated stopper as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the best defensive talents outside the Premier League after impressing at Watford over the last couple of years. Watford are reluctant to lose last season's Player of the Year, but it is understood a deal is close to being done. McDermott is keen to finalise a deal as soon as possible to fend off interest from a number of other clubs in Mariappa.

Around Sky

Upgrade to get all of Sky Sports, including 1500 live football matches this season

Not got Sky? Get instant access to Sky Sports with no contract

Sky Data Layer Viewer