Royals close on Pogrebnyak

Sky Sports sources understand Reading are set to pull off a coup by signing Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak on a four-year contract.

Premier League new boys set to pull off a transfer coup

Sky Sports sources understand Reading are set to pull off a coup by signing Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak on a four-year contract. Pogrebnyak spent the second half of last season at Fulham, after joining from Stuttgart, and scored six goals in 12 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old had been in talks regarding a permanent contract at Craven Cottage after expressing a desire to remain in English football. However, it appears Pogrebnyak has been unable to reach a deal with Fulham and he is now poised to sign for Championship winners Reading. The Royals were taken over by Russian businessman Anton Zingarevich towards the end of last season and he is set to welcome his compatriot to the Madejski Stadium. Reading boss Brian McDermott is keen to improve his squad following the club's return to the top flight and has already brought in Garath McCleary from Nottingham Forest. The addition of Pogrebnyak to his ranks would be a notable capture and it is understood the deal is close to being finalised.