READING FC's move for Nathaniel Chalobah has been thrown into doubt as late interest from a foreign club threatens to scupper the deal.
Royals believed they had finally persuaded the 20-year-old to return to the Madejski Stadium on a season-long loan after positive talks earlier this week.
But late interest from another club on Wednesday evening has put the completion of the deal on hold – with the Chronicle understanding that Chalobah would now prefer a move abroad.
The offer from Reading remains on the table but it will be a bitter blow for Steve Clarke, who believed he had all but agreed a deal for the England Under-21 international to return.
Chalobah attracted interest from several Premier League clubs including Watford earlier this summer, but when those moves failed to materialise, Reading believed they had sealed a deal to bring him back on a season-long loan.
The England Under-21 international made 20 appearances for Royals last season – scoring one goal at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
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