Reading have announced that the club's Sporting Director, Gianluca Nani has left the club by mutual consent, which makes it three key departures in recent weeks for the Royals. 

In a statement released by Nani on the club's official website, he outlined the reasons why he left his role in Berkshire.

"As the club is now moving in a different direction, I believe it is the right time for me to step away from the role," Nani said.

The club's CEO, Ron Gourlay left the club not long ago, with Nigel Howe returning to the club to take over from Gourlay.

Howe has not wasted any time in making changes at the Madejski Stadium and dismissed Paul Clement just days after being appointed in his new role at the club.

But Nani's departure will come as no surprise to Royals supporters, many of whom, would have expected him to leave after Clement and Gourlay's departure.

Reading face Sheffield United at the weekend in front of the Sky Sports cameras and it is sure to be a tough test for the Royals when they face Chris Wilder's side who will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Leeds last week.

The Verdict: 

It comes as no surprise to see Nani departing the club.

Even though it was a short-lived spell at Reading, it was inevitable that the Italian would leave, especially after the news that Ron Gourlay and Paul Clement had both left.

Reading fans will hope this is completely clean slate at the club now and they will be concentrating with matters on the pitch now heading into a potentially season-defining festive period.