Premier League club Reading have completed the signing of Crawley Town's highly-rated midfielder Hope Akpan.

The 21-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best talents in the lower leagues, underwent a medical at the Royals on Tuesday before signing a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Reading boss Brian McDermott told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to have signed Hope, we have known all about him for a very long time.

"He has a great pedigree coming through the ranks at a top Premier League side in Everton, there were a lot of clubs in for him during this window but once he heard of our interest this was the only place he wanted to play. He's 21 and is a player we feel can play at this level."

Akpan played in a friendly match against Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.