GEORGE Evans has today (Tuesday) made his highly anticipated departure from Reading FC.

The 23-year-old midfielder has joined Frank Lampard's Derby County on a three-year deal and could return to Madejski Stadium when the two teams meet on Friday night.

Evans was on the verge of a move to League One side Sunderland but pulled out of the deal when he heard of England legend Lampard's interest.

Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald fumed at Evans' decision but suggested the Black Cats would not give up on their pursuit of the former Manchester City schoolboy.

He was due to play in Royals' final pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace last Saturday but Reading accepted a bid, thought to be around £350,000, for his services prior to kick-off.

He has now completed a switch to Pride Park and Royals fans have wished him all the best on social media.

Fans wrote: "George Evans wasn’t a stand out player but when he was on the pitch he did his job, and did it bloody well. Shame he isn’t part of Paul Clement's plans and I wish him all the best.

"Good player in my opinion still with a lot of potential if given the minutes. Good passer of the ball and should be a decent signing if he stays fit.

"George Evans played an important role in Reading’s run to the play-off final and was definitely unlucky not to see more time on the pitch last season. Needs to be playing regular games at his age so a move away makes sense. Wish him the best."

Evans jumped at the opportunity to join Lampard, who he worked with during his time at Manchester City.

Lampard told Derby County's website: "George is a very good player and arrives here at a good age as well.

“I worked with him when I was at Manchester City - he was training with the first-team regularly at the time - and he impressed me with the way he played, as well as with his attitude. George has fantastic attributes and will of benefit to us both on and off the pitch.

“We need the correct balance in the team and have been fortunate to bring in some exciting attack-minded players this summer, but George will give us security in terms of his defensive nature.

"He’s very comfortable on the ball and can move it quickly, which is something that we are looking for.”