VITO Mannone has left Reading FC to join Minnesota United for the rest of the year.

As expected, the 30-year-old keeper sealed a loan move to the Major League Soccer club until January 1, 2020 over the weekend.

Reading boss Jose Gomes told Mannone he was free to leave after securing the services of Arsenal stopper Emiliano Martinez for the remainder of the Championship campaign.

Martinez was outstanding again on Saturday after the Argentine made a string of top saves in the stalemate at Sheffield Wednesday – Reading’s second successive 0-0 draw.

Gomes last week confirmed Mannone was “out of my options,” with Anssi Jaakkola and Sam Walker also on the books.

Ex-Arsenal and Sunderland keeper Mannone joined Royals in July 2017 and made 47 appearances between the sticks.

But the Italian has started just six games this season and had not featured since a 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on September 1.

He has now linked up with Adrian Heath’s Minnesota for pre-season training ahead of the start of the MLS campaign next month.

Reading remain in the relegation and one point from safety ahead of a home clash against Blackburn Rovers at Madejski Stadium this Wednesday night (8pm ko).