Royals close on Robin

Reading have agreed an undisclosed fee for Bristol City left back Scott Golbourne.

The England Under-19 international is due to meet with The Royals on the Bank Holiday Monday to have a medical and discuss personal terms.

Despite only making five appearances for The Robins, the promising left back has caught the eye of Steve Coppell's side enough for them to table a suitable offer.

Robins chairman Steve Lansdown admitted that Reading's offer was too good to turn down for the former Ashton Gate trainee.

"Reading approached us with a deal, which I discussed fully with manager Gary Johnson and my fellow director Keith Dawe," Lansdown told the club's official website.

"While we are not in the business of selling our best young players, it was felt the offer was not only a good one for the football club, but also one we had to make Scott aware of.

"The offer has now been accepted and Scott is free to speak with Reading. If the deal goes through, we will be very sad to see Scott leave because he has developed well during his time at the club.

"However, it's a win-win situation because it gives Scott the chance to play at Championship, and possibly Premiership level, whilst helping achieve what we want to going forwards."

Golbourne will be the third player in recent times to leave City for Reading, with the West Country club having sold prolific goalscorer Leroy Lita for £1 million back in the summer, while winger Scott Murray moved to The Royals before returning to City in March 2004.

The news of Golbourne's departure will concern City supporters, as his sale is sure to underline the financial difficulties that the League One strugglers are currently enduring.