Two Reading academy defenders have departed the club ahead of the new season.

20-year-old centre-back Jeriel Dorsett has signed a season-long loan with Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Making two first team appearances for the Royals, Dorsett spent last season on loan in League Two with Rochdale.

A fan favourite at Spotland, the defender played 45 times and won the club's Young Player of the Season award.

The club triggered a contract extension over the summer, but he will now spent the year at Rugby Park playing his trade in the top tier of Scottish football.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old full-back Imari Samuels has left Berkshire permanently, joining Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion.

Making 16 appearances for the Under-23s last season with the Royals, a club where he had been for almost a decade, the Seagulls will pay Reading compensation as no transfer fee was involved.

Coach Andrew Crofts said, “We are delighted to welcome Imari to the club and are really excited to start working with him. 

“He’s an exciting talent, who can play on either side, who likes to attack.”