The Northern Ireland international, 23, has signed a contract until the summer of 2017 and goes straight into the squad for Royals' game at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The club has paid an undisclosed fee for the star - believed to be around £1.2m - and he has been handed the number six shirt.

He becomes Reading's fourth summer recruit following strike duo Simon Cox and Jamie Mackie, from Nottingham Forest and QPR respectively, and centre back Anton Ferdinand who was a free agent.

He said:: "It feels great to be here and these are really exciting times for me.

"The manager was a big factor in me signing, with his energy, positivity and the way he wants to play football. That was a massive plus and it was music to my ears that he wants to get the ball down and pass.

"I'm very happy to be here and I can't wait to get started. With the ownership these are exciting times for the club, there's young players coming through and it's a club with everything set up for the Premier League. I just can't wait for Saturday now."

Norwood, who was born in Burnley, has amassed 17 caps for Northern Ireland and nearly 100 Championship appearances. He began his career at Manchester United's legendary academy and spent loan spells at Carlisle, Scunthorpe and Coventry before signing for Huddersfield in 2012.

Royals boss Nigel Adkins said, "I'm delighted that we're moving forward and that Olly is the fourth player we're bringing into the group.

"He's a very good player and passes the ball ever so well. He had a good upbringing at Manchester United, he's got lots of games under his belt in the Football League and is a good age. At 23, he can only improve in our environment.

"He'll fit in well with our players, he has a great attitude, he's athletic, can pass and take a set play as well. He's only going to get better and I'm really excited about him being here."