Reading captain Paul McShane is thrilled to reunite with Sone Aluko at Reading following the latter’s arrival at the club last week, via the club’s official website.

28-year-old Aluko made the move to the Madejski Stadium from Fulham last Tuesday for a fee believed to be around £7.5 million, double what the Royals paid for Tiago Ilori back in January which was, at the time, a club record.

The Nigeria international bagged 12 goals and laid on eight assists to help Slavisa Jokanovic’s Cottagers to a sixth place finish in the Championship last term, incidentally losing out to Jaap Stam’s Reading in the play-off semi-finals, yet Aluko certainly proved his worth with several impressive displays for the West London outfit.

And that saw Reading splash out big money on the influential forward, a move which has been welcomed by skipper McShane, who teamed up with Aluko at Hull City between 2012 and 2015, with both a part of Steve Bruce’s side which won promotion to the Premier League in 2013.

McShane told Reading’s official website: ‘I’m glad now that he’s here because I think he’s a very, very good player and he can definitely make a difference.

‘He’s also a good lad to have around the training ground because he works hard, he’s open and he’s good to talk to.

‘He’s a clever guy, and I’m happy that he’s here.’

These comments are sure to intrigue Reading fans, who saw their side add seven new faces over the summer, with the likes of David Edwads, Modou Barrow, and Vito Mannone also joining Aluko in moving to the Madejski Stadium.

And with two wins and a draw from their opening five matches, Stam’s men have laid the foundations from which to build when their campaign resumes against Bristol City on Saturday, a game which is likely to see Aluko make his debut for the Royals.

The Verdict: Sone Aluko’s move to Reading was a clear statement of intent from the Royals, having poached a very talented individual from a promotion rival.

And although captain Paul McShane may well given his views on the 28-year-old during the process of bringing him to the club, it’s particularly good to hear him speak so highly of the Nigeria international, who is in line to make his Royals debut against Bristol City on Saturday.

The two worked together to great effect at Hull City to help them win promotion back in 2013 - Reading fans will be hoping for a similar outcome from their reunion at the Madejski Stadium this season.

Reading fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!