READING have completed the signing of Paolo Hurtado on a three-year deal.

The winger passed his medical yesterday afternoon and put pen-to-paper last night.

The 25-year-old made four appearances in this summer’s Copa America for Peru, and will provide some much-needed width for Steve Clarke's men.

Royals have had to be patient in their pursuit of Hurtado, with formalities such as applying for a work permit delaying the deal.

But everything has now been sorted and the winger could go straight into Clarke’s side for the visit of Leeds on Sunday.

The Royals boss said: “Paolo Hurtado is a player that we have been following since January.  He is a creative player who can play off either side of the pitch. 

"As well as creating chances for others, Paolo also has an eye for a goal. 

"His style of play should complement the players already here and we look forward to Paolo joining our squad.”

Hurtado joins from Portuguese side Pacos De Ferreira, where he scored 12 goals over three seasons for the club.

Meanwhile, someone else that could be following Hurtado to Berkshire is Nathaniel Chalobah.

Reading are currently keen on bringing the 20-year-old back to the Madejski Stadium on loan for the season and are growing increasingly confident that they’ll be able to tempt him to return from Chelsea.

Chalobah has been linked with a move to newly-promoted Watford in the Premier League throughout the summer but with that deal seemingly unlikely to happen, Clarke is preparing to swoop for the highly-rated player.

The Chronicle understands that Reading are nothing more than "an option" for Chalobah at the moment, with the level of interest from the Premier League likely to play a big part in where he ends up.

The midfielder made 20 appearances for the Royals last season, including a superb performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final.