Reading today confirmed that full-back Tennai Watson has joined AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan, announced the club's website. 

The 21-year-old signed a three-year deal at the Madjeski Stadium earlier in the year but is clearly not deemed ready for the Royals' first team by manager Paul Clement.

Watson made his Reading debut in the 2016/17 season against Preston North End, but he was hampered by injuries last campaign which stunted his progress at the club, making just seven appearances for the under 23s.

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This will be Watson's first spell away from the club having risen through the ranks at the Berkshire club.

He becomes the third player to leave the Royals this summer with Sandro Wies and Joseph Mendes leaving on free transfers.

On the arrivals front, Clement has brought in four new faces in the form of Marc McNulty, David Meyler, John O'Shea and Andy Yiadom.

The verdict 

This is a move that makes sense. After the arrival of Yiadom, Watson will have been third in the pecking order for the right-back spot behind Chris Gunter.

At 21 he needs to be playing regular first-team football, and at AFC Wimbledon he should get the chance to do just that.

This is by no means a closed door to the Reading first team for Watson. If he impresses expect to see him in and around the starting XI in a year's time.