Reading have made their first transfer of the summer, bringing in 19-year-old goalkeeper João Virgínia on a season-long loan from Everton.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper joined the Merseyside club in August 2018 and has recorded nine clean sheets in 12 PL2 matches for the U23’s – keeping clean sheets in the Premier League Cup semi final and final victories against Swansea City and Newcastle United.

Virgínia has also represented Portugal at every level from Under-16 to Under-21, playing a pivotal role in the Under-19 European Championship winning side.

Manager José Gomes said: “João is a gifted young goalkeeper who grew up learning his trade at one of the greatest clubs in Portugal and has since impressed in English football as part of Arsenal and Everton’s Under-23s.

“I am delighted that he will now get an opportunity to fight for first team football as a Royal.”