READING FC have rounded up a thrilling transfer deadline day by signing striker Lewis Grabban on loan from Bournemouth until the end of the season.

Grabban will join Jaap Stam's squad after securing a late move to Madejski Stadium as the 11pm deadline loomed.

Royals fans have called on the club to sign a new striker with only Yann Kermorgant featuring in the first team on a regular basis.

Grabban, 29, was in demand, with Leeds United also linked with a loan swoop, but he has opted to switch to Berkshire for the remainder of the Championship campaign.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe said: “I am delighted that we have been able to add some extra fire power to the squad in the form of a proven goalscorer like Lewis.

"I am very pleased that a striker in such high demand chose to come to join the Royals.”

Grabban has spent the past two-and-a-half years playing in the Premier League, having previously enjoyed spells with Norwich City FC and Rotherham.

He was part of the Cherries' promotion winning outfit in 2014 - which also included fellow Royals' forward Kermorgant - scoring 12 goals to help fire Eddie Howe's team into the top flight.

Grabban will join Stam's Royals until the end of the campaign as they look to secure promotion themselves.

He was the third deadline-day loan signing for Royals today after Reece Oxford and Jordan Mutch, who join from West Ham and Crystal Palace respectively.

Stam also aigned Adrian Popa from Steaua Bucharest yesterday, and landed Tiago Ilori from Liverpoot for a club-record £3m a little earlier, both on three-and-a-half year contracts.

Meanwhile, Stam has loaned Dominic Samuel to Ipswich Town on loan.