Reading defender Tom Holmes has signed a new three-year deal at the club, keeping him under contract until 2025.

The Academy graduate is one of five first team stars out of contract next month, but becomes the first to officially sign on the dotted line.

Making his debut back in 2018, he did not cement a regular first team position until 2020 under Veljko Paunovic, playing 40 times as the Royals narrowly misssed out on the play-offs.

Despite enduring a more difficult campaign last time out he still managed 34 appearances, even popping up with an overhead kick to score his first goal for the club.

Reading Chronicle:

A boyhood fan, he joined the club aged eight and rose through every age group.

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said of the 22-year-old: “Tom has had a sharp rise in the past two seasons and quickly established himself as a very important player for Reading at a very young age. He is an intelligent footballer with a lot of the traits that a modern centre-half needs, and importantly he strives to improve all the time. He has his best years ahead of him and we’re delighted that he has committed the next three seasons to this club.”

A regular under interim manager Paul Ince, another who has committed his long-term future to Berkshire, the former England captain added: “In my short time here, Tom has shown that he is confident on the ball and can create from the back, as well as being powerful, brave and committed in defending his goal – a blend that makes him a real asset in the modern era. It is easy to forget that he is one of the younger members of the squad because he bears a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and is developing into a real leader, on and off the pitch. I’m delighted that he has chosen to commit to Reading and I’m looking forward to having him on board as we prepare for the challenge of a new season.”