Reading FC have secured the signings of two layers to bolster their squad before the new season begins. 

Mamadou Loum, 25, and Nesta Guinness-Walker, 22, arrive from Porto and AFC Wimbledon respectively. 

Loum, a Senagalese defensive midfielder, joins the Royals on a season-long loan whereas left-back Guinness-Walker joins for free on a one-year deal. 

The duo’s arrivals were confirmed the day before Reading kick off their 2022/2023 campaign against Blackpool on July 30. 

However, only Guinness-Walker signed in time to be eligible to play against the Tangerines. 

The former Met Police defender enjoyed a successful pre-season trial with the Royals before putting pen to paper on a deal on July 29. 

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “Nesta is a player who I had the opportunity to see play first hand during the last couple of months of last season at AFC Wimbledon and it was clear he is a young player with the right attitude, raw talent and potential. 

“He has shown what we can expect from him during pre-season at Bearwood Park and I am sure he will be a good addition to the squad we are gradually piecing together.”

Guinness-Walker made 97 appearances for AFC Wimbledon in three years after spending the early part of his career at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. 

Mamadou Loum spent last season playing in Spain’s top-flight for Alaves and made his debut at home to Real Madrid. 

Prior to this, Loum made appearances in the Champions League for Porto. 

He also featured in Senegal’s successful African Cup of Nations team at the start of the year, helping teammates Sadio Mane and Chelsea ‘keeper Eduoard Mendy secure the title. 

Manager Paul Ince said: “Together, we have had to put together an almost entirely new midfield this summer and Mamadou feels like an important piece in that puzzle. 

“Comfortable with the ball at his feet and an aerial threat in both boxes, he is a player who will battle hard from the first minute to the last with that fire in the belly you need to tackle the challenge of the Championship head on. 

“He was a player highly-coveted by a number of clubs, so for Mamadou to choose to join us is a real boost for everyone at the club.”