Reading FC goalkeeper Rafael Cabral nearing a return to his native Brazil after he was completely left out of the Royals squad for Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough.

The 31-year old had served as Reading’s number one goalkeeper since arriving in Berkshire in 2019, but this season he’s seen his spot taken by academy graduate Luke Southwood after suffering a hand injury in September.

Rafael, himself, has spoken in recent weeks of his willingness to terminate his contract and move on from Reading, a measure he recognises would aid his chances of first-team football as well as the club’s relatively dire financial situation.

Now, reports from reliable Brazilian publications Radio Itatiaia state that is exactly what’s happened, with the shot-stopper seeing his Reading contract terminated, thereby allowing him to move to Cruzeiro.

Meanwhile, Goal Brazil are reporting that as part of the deal agent Kia Joorabchian will make €300,000.

There is yet to be any announcement from either club but just last week Reading recalled young goalkeepers Jokull Andresson and James Holden from their respective loan spells at Morecambe and Maidenhead. That, coupled with Rafael’s total absence on Saturday, makes it certainly appear that he is inching towards the exit door.

Rafael has made 98 appearances for Reading including seven this season. His last contribution, and quite possibly his final contribution for the Royals, was to play a frustratingly large role in his side’s 2-1 capitulation to Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.

While this may be the lasting memory of Rafael, there have been numerous impressive performances during his Reading career, even winning 2019/20 Royals Player of the Season.