Reading FC sign former Rangers winger Brandon Barker

Reading have announced the signing of Brandon Barker until the end of the season.

The 25 year-old left-sided midfielder has been training with the Royals following his departure from Rangers in January when his contract expired.

Barker is a former Manchester City Academy player and England youth international.

Manager Veljko Paunovic said, “I am very pleased to welcome Brandon to Reading on a three-month contract that is the right opportunity for both the player and the club. During his time training with us at Bearwood Park, he has shown us his ability, his hunger and the positive attitude he can bring to this squad for the final three months of the season and I am looking forward to integrating him quickly into our squad."

Barker signed his first professional contract with Manchester City back in July 2014 and, following a short loan stint at Rotherham United, made his first team debut under Manuel Pellegrini as a substitute in an FA Cup tie against Chelsea six years ago.

The former England youth international has had playing stints at Hibernian, Preston North End and Oxford United and also featured in the Rangers championship winning side of 2020-21 under then manager Steven Gerrard.

Reading suffered their eight successive league defeat following a 3-2 by Coventry City at the weekend and currently sit fourth bottom of the Championship table with speculation mounting over the future of manager Veljko Paunovic.

Fans protested before the match on Saturday following the poor run of results while some supporters also ran onto the pitch at full time.

The 44 year-old has won only 28 out of his 81 games charge with his side facing a tough set of upcoming fixtures including a match against fellow strugglers Peterborough United.