READING FC have confirmed the signing of Latvian international striker Deniss Rakels from Polish side Cracovia for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old ­– who has scored 15 goals this season – has penned a deal until the summer of 2018, with the option of a further year.

Royals manager Brian McDermott admitted at this morning's press conference that the player had been brought in by the club's Thai owners rather than himself, but said: “I’m delighted that we’ve completed the signing of Deniss.

“I spoke to Kaspars Gorkss, who is the Latvia captain and who played here for me of course – and he spoke really highly of Deniss, so I’m really pleased he has decided to join us. He has a really good goalscoring record, especially this season, so this signing is good news for us all.”

Rakels began his career in his native Latvia with FK Liepajas Metalurgs, top scoring in the Virsliga (the Latvian top tier) with a total of 18 goals before a move to Poland in January 2011 when he signed for Zaglebie Lubin.

A season-long loan at GKS Katowice saw him impress sufficiently to earn another season in the Polish First League and, after scoring 11 goals in 27 matches for Katowice, Rakels switched back to the Polish top flight to join Cracovia in January 2014.

The striker has scored a total of 26 goals in little more than 60 appearances since then.

Rakels made his international debut before turning 18 and started the Euro 2016 qualifying clashes against Turkey, the Czech Republic, Iceland and Kazakhstan this season.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe added, “Our third acquisition of the January transfer window, Deniss Rakels is a young player with a lot of promise – at 23 he already has a proven an eye for goal and he will add to the manager’s attacking options within the squad. I’m really pleased he has chosen to join Reading.”

Rakels is expected to take the number 10 shirt.  The transfer remains subject to international clearance and the normal ratification procedures from the relevant football authorities.