JAKE Taylor has left Reading FC to sign a permanent deal at League Two Exeter City.

The 24-year-old midfielder has cut short a loan spell with Scottish side Motherwell to pen a two-and-a-half year deal at St James' Park.

It brings an end to Taylor's 16-year-old association with the Royals having joined the club as an eight-year-old.

The Ascot-born player made his Reading debut in a 3-3 league cup draw against Northampton Town in 2010.

He went on to make 36 first-team apparances, scoring three goals.

But he always struggled to command a regular place in the starting XI and had loan spells with Aldershot Town, Cheltenham Town, Crawley Town, Leyton Orienty and then Motherwell.

Taylor is well known to Grecians supporters after playing 26 league games and scoring three goals during a previous loan spell with the club in the 2011/12 League One campaign.

He joined up with Exeter today and could make his debut against Hartlepool United this weekend.

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale said: “Jake is a player we know very well having spernt a season with us before on loan.

“He is a very versatile player, a very bright player and he comes with good experience.”

Reading's out-of-favour striker Orlando Sa is also on the verge of leaving the club.

Maccabi Tel Aviv are leading the race to sign the 27-year-old Portuguese marksman, who has dropped down the pecking order following the signing of Yann Kermorgant from Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Royals boss Brian McDermott has taken Spanish midfielder Javier Matilla on trial.

The 27-year-old is a free agent and will spend this week training with the Royals.

He is based at Madejski Stadium hotel where he was spotted using the gym equipment at the weekend before watcing Reading's 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

Reports also suggest Latvia striker Deniss Rakels,23, is set for a medical with Royals this week.

McDermott said: “I've had a few calls regarding one of two players who might go out on loan. There is interest in Orlando.

“We'll have to watch that space, but we have more options now with Yann coming in.”

Reading are back in FA Cup action this Saturday when they host League One Walsall at Madejski Stadium (3pm).