Reading have confirmed that six first team players will depart upon the expiration of their contracts next month, including top scorer Lucas Joao.

The Angolan, signed in 2019, has hit over 40 league goals for the club but refused to play in the club's final Championship match against Huddersfield Town.

Now 29, the former Sheffield Wednesday forward will be free to sort out his career elsewhere.

Also leaving is former club captain Liam Moore, the longest-serving player at the squad, along with Scott Dann, Luke Southwood, Dejan Tetek and Shane Long.

Yakou Meite, Amadou Mbengue and Junior Hoilett are all set to be out of contract, but have been offered new deals.

Overall, more than 500 club appearances have been let go as the Royals face a first season in League One since 2002.

Promising youngsters Lui Bradbury, Ethan Burnett, Josh Green, Nahum Melvin-Lambert, Kian Leavy, Claudio Osorio and Rashawn Scott have also been released.