Luton Town boss Rob Edwards admitted that he had spoken to defender Tom Holmes 'in the summer' ahead of a January move.
The 23-year-old rose through the ranks with his boyhood club and played over 120 times, but joins the Hatters in an undisclosed deal.
In good news for the Royals, the centre-back will remain in Berkshire until the end of the season to help Ruben Selles' side fight for survival in League One.
The Reading Chronicle first broke the news of the deal on Friday evening, but Luton boss Edwards went on record denying any knowledge of a deal.
Speaking after their draw with Burnley on Friday, the former Wolves defender said: "There is nothing in it."
RE on Holmes: “We have been aware of him for quite a long time and we spoke in the summer, so Tom is one that we’ve been tracking for a while."🧐🧐#readingfc https://t.co/5jjCVMcr9r
— James Earnshaw (@james_e1871) January 17, 2024
However, speaking to the club after Holmes' announcement, Edwards said: “We have been aware of him for quite a long time and we spoke in the summer, so Tom is one that we’ve been tracking for a while."
He could link up with former Reading teammate Gabe Osho, who has become a regular with Luton.
Holmes will be eligible to play for the Royals in Wigan on Saturday.
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