READING FC have signed Dutch defender Darren Sidoel on a three-year contract.

The 20-year-old has been on Ajax's books since a youngster and is said to be one of the most promising young full-backs in the Netherlands.

Sidoel has not featured for the Ajax first team, but he made his breakhrough last season with Jong Ajax - the club's reserves side once managed by ex-Reading boss, Jaap Stam.

Sidoel scored on his Jong Ajax debut in the Dutch second tier in a 2-1 victory against SC Cambuur.

The former Netherlands Under 17 international went on to make 16 appearances during the campaign as Jong Ajax clinched the league title.

Reading technical director, Brian Tevreden, confirmed Sidoel has been a long-term target for the club.

“Darren is a very promising young player whose progress we have been closely monitoring for quite some time now," he explained. "I am delighted that we have secured his signature.”

Sidoel also gained plenty of experience in Europe with the Ajax Under 19 team and has faced the likes of Real Madrid, Dinamo Kiev, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Youth League.

Reading chief executive, Ron Gourlay, stated: “I am very pleased to be able to welcome a talented young professional like Darren to Reading.

"He has real potential, a drive to improve and a hunger for success. It is good to have him here at Reading.”