Luke Southwood has signed a new contract at Reading FC.

The 23-year-old academy graduate has signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until 2023.

Southwood has featured regularly as understudy to Rafael this season, having made his first team debut against Colchester United in the Carabao Cup at the start of the campaign.

Southwood has played twice more for the first team, against Luton Town in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

The goalkeeper has previously enjoyed successful loan stints with Eastleigh  and Hamilton Academical.

Manger Veljko Paunovic told the club website: "Luke is a fantastic character, a very talented keeper and a patient and positive influence within our first team group who I know will always give his best in every session at Bearwood or in any game he plays.

"A child of this club, he fully deserves this new contract at Reading and I am sure he will grasp this opportunity to challenge for the goalkeeper shirt next season.”