Experienced defender Zat Knight has joined Reading on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The former Fulham, Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers centre-back, who has been capped two times for England in the past, had been without a club since leaving Colorado Rapids at the end of last year.

Knight is eligible to play in Reading's final 10 games of the Championship season, as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Bradford next week.

Speaking to the club's official website, Royals boss Steve Clarke said: "With the team currently in the middle of a really hectic schedule, I felt it was prudent to bring another experienced defender to help share the load.

"When I heard that Zat was back in the UK and looking for a club, I felt he would be a perfect fit."

Knight is also understood to have been handed a trial by Watford earlier this year, although a move failed to materialise.

Reading are currently 16th in the Championship table.