Reading FC nearing transfer for ex Sheffield Wednesday star Sam Hutchinson

Reading FC are closing in on making former Sheffield Wednesday star Sam Hutchinson their seventh signing of the summer.

The 32-year-old has been on trial with Paul Ince's side over the past fortnight and featured in the friendlies against Benfica and West Ham United.

Royals assistant boss Alex Rae confirmed after the 1-1 draw with the Hammers on Saturday afternoon that a transfer for the defender was very near to completion.

"I think it's pretty much done and dusted," he said. "The one thing about Sam is that he brings a level of professionalism. He is vocal, experienced and he's fitted in brilliantly so hopefully everything will fall into place with that one."

Hutchinson would become Reading's seventh signing of the summer, joining Joe Lumley, Tom Ince, Dean Bouzanis, Tyrese Fornah, Jeff Hendrick and Shane Long in making the move to Berkshire. Royals have just two weeks left to the start of the Championship season and Rae says bringing in versatile players is crucial for the long campaign ahead.

"The one thing we really need to do this year is to have peple to who can play in multple positions if we can," he added. "We look at Tom McIntyre, he can play centre-back, left-back and even central midfield so the more players we can get in that are equally comfortable in various positions then the beter we will be because it gives us flexibility."