Reading youngster Luca Fletcher has turned down an offer of a professional contract in Berkshire in order to move to treble-winners Manchester City.

The 16-year-old, who won Scholar of the Season at the end of season awards, has moved to the Etihad Stadium for a 'significant compensation fee.'

Joining the club at 11, Fletcher was a regular for the England Under-16s and quickly caught the attention of top clubs around the country.

The Reading Chronicle understand that the striker was offered a two-year scholarship at Reading next season, and the promise of a professional deal when he turns 17 in April 2024.

However, the move was too good for the academy graduate to turn down.

It is thought that the Royals have secured a significant compensation fee and the deal also includes a sell-on fee clause, which would be triggered should Fletcher move away from Manchester City.

“Within our Academy are a totally devoted team who rightly take immense pride in developing young footballers, both as people and as players,” explained Academy Manager Michael Gilkes. 

“The role of our Academy has always been to provide a return on the investment. We hope that return comes in the form of young players featuring for our first team - scoring goals, making tackles, keeping clean sheets with the Reading crest on their chest.

"However, that return can also be represented by the might of Manchester City offering a significant sum for the services of a 16-year-old we have helped develop into a fine young footballer. We will proudly follow Luca’s continued path into professional football and we would all like to wish him and his family the very best for the future.”

He joins the likes of Michael Olise and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as former Royals supporters like to keep an eye on as their promising careers develop.