Lincoln City captain Paudie O’Connor is set for a medical at Reading on Tuesday (17 June) ahead of a free transfer switch, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old was a key man for the Imps in the 2024-25 campaign but is set to leave for Berkshire as a free agent at the end of his contract.
O’Connor attracted interest from a host of League One clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers, while Championship sides were monitoring his situation.
Reading have now agreed to sign the centre-back as they get back on their feet following a period of financial difficulty.
Reading set to sign O’Connor
O’Connor made 45 appearances across all competitions for Lincoln last term as they finished 11th in League One – four places and 14 points behind the Royals.
The ex-Leeds man notched an impressive four goals and five assists from the heart of the Imps’ defence.
Appearances (Starts) 45 (44)
Minutes Played 3862
Goals 4
Assists 5
Yellow Cards 11
Red Cards 2
O’Connor’s Lincoln City stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)
Coming through the ranks with Limerick, the defender made the move to England with Leeds in 2017 and has also turned out for Blackpool and Bradford.
He has since racked up almost 250 appearances in Leagues One and Two and made four Championship appearances during his time at Elland Road.
Reading will be targeting a return to the second tier in the 2025-26 campaign after a successful takeover last month.
Ex-Reading boss set for Sheffield United
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (17 June) that ex-Reading boss Ruben Selles is in advanced talks to take the Sheffield United job.
The Blades have approached Selles, 42, over the job with the club set to sack current boss Chris Wilder.
He spent 18 months with Reading before leaving for Hull City in the middle of the 2024-25 campaign.
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