Yuri Ribeiro has teased fans by suggesting he has potentially found a new club on his Twitter account this afternoon.Â
The 24-year-old was released by Nottingham Forest after two seasons at the club this summer.
The left back played an important role in the Forest side that missed out on the top six on the final day of the 2019/20 campaign. Chipping in with three assists from 31 outings under Sabri Lamouchi.
The Reading Chronicle published the club's interest earlier today, with Ribeiro's tweet then making the move seem more likely.
The Royals are yet to replace Omar Richards at left back who left for Bayern Munich this summer. Young centre back Tom McIntyre deputised in that role for Veljko Paunovic's men in their opening day 3-2 defeat away to Stoke City.
However Ribeiro's experience in the position and at the level, if he can prove his fitness, mean you would expect him to slot right in.
Should the move be announced in time and him thrown in at the weekend, Ribeiro will face the challenge of Preston North End most likely lining up against former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair. T
hat could be a tough examination for the Portuguese despite Reading going into Saturday's match as favourites.
The Verdict
Ribeiro would be a smart addition for Reading and sensible business given their financial situation.
The 24-year-old's time at Forest should stand him in good stead to adjust to a new club and with the expectations a little lower at the Select Car Leasing Stadium than they were in a turbulent last couple of campaigns at the City Ground.
With the off putting rumblings in the board room at Reading they need to get off to a competent start in the second tier this season, or they could get dragged into an unwanted battle in the opening exchanges.
They only named five subs in their opening league match and could not lay a glove on Swansea City in the League Cup. Ribeiro's signature would give the dressing room a much needed lift.