Reading have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Alex Fernandez on a season-long loan deal from La Liga side Espanyol.

The creative midfielder played against Reading in pre-season and will boost Steve Clarke's options in the attacking third.

The deal had been lined up for some time but a number of complications had delayed the move from being completed.

Clarke said: “Alex Fernandez is a talented young footballer who can play in different positions throughout the midfield area. 

"Any footballer who has come through the youth system at Real Madrid always gets a good football education and will have a good understanding of the game. 

“When we knew we could get him on loan for a season it was too good an opportunity to miss.  He is another creative player who will add to the competition for places and, as he settles and adjusts to a new challenge in his career, I’m confident that Alex will prove be another good addition to our squad.”