Reading FC have confirmed the signature of former Shrewsbury Town midfielder Josh Laurent on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder joins on a free transfer after his contract at the League One side Shrewsbury Town expired at the end of last season.

Laurent had attracted attention from clubs across the Championship, but it is understood that Reading have beaten Cardiff, Swansea and Stoke City to the signing of the highly touted creative midfielder.

Reading have been keen on Laurent for a number of months, with manger Mark Bowen previously admitting his admiration for Laurent during the January transfer window.

Bowen said: "Josh fits the mould as a hungry, vibrant, energetic young midfielder who I am sure will make an impact at Madejski Stadium.

"A box-to-box style midfielder, Josh is a talented player whose career I have been tracking for some time, so I am delighted to now welcome him to the club.”

Chief Executive Nigel Howe told the club website: “I’m very pleased to welcome Josh to Reading at the start of what I anticipate will be a very busy summer period as we build a new squad for 2020-21.

"It is encouraging to get this deal over the line early as we look to construct a new squad capable of achieving more next season.

"I am looking forward to watching Josh take the next step in his career as a Royal.”