READING FC have broken their transfer record by signing Tiago Ilori from Liverpool for around £3m.

The 23-year-old defender has finally completed his move from Anfield after weeks of negotiations.

The pacy centre-back has penned a three-and-a-half year deal until summer 2020 and could make his Royals debut at Derby County this Saturday (3pm ko).

The official fee for Ilori is 'undisclosed,' but it believed to be in the region of £3m which includes appearance bonuses and add-ons, topping the £2.5 Reading forked out for Nantes flop, Emerse Fae, in 2007.

Reading manager Jaap Stam is delighted the deal is finally over the line and he believes Ilori will be a crucial factor in the club's future success.

“Tiago is the type of defender a lot of people like - his technical skill, passing ability, pace, quality and physique,” he said.

“We always want players with those attributes within our squad.

“In this league, with all the games we need to play, you never know what’s going to happen with injuries and suspensions – so it’s also important we have options and the chance to rotate.

“And looking to the future, you need to seize the opportunity when players like Tiago are available, so we’re very happy that he will be joining us at Reading.”

Ilori's capture comes after a hectic 24 hours for the Royals after top scorer Garath McCleary ended speculation over his future by signing new contract yesterday.