Reading FC have moved a step closer to signing long-term target Pedro Mendes.

As reported on Friday, Reading have been battling Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería, managed by former Reading FC boss Jose Gomes, to complete the signing of the 21-year-old forward.

However, it is now understood that Reading have won the race for the Sporting Lisbon frontman, who is expected to sign on a loan deal with an option to buy.

Mendes was reportedly told that he was surplus to requirements at the Portugese giants at the end of the 2019-20 campaign, after featuring in six games in the Portuguese top-tier last season. 

Pedro Mendes signed for Sporting from Moreirense for £270k in Summer 2017, aged just 17.