LEANDRO Bacuna is edging closer to a move to Reading FC, Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has revealed.

The Chronicle reported yesterday that a deal to bring the Dutchman to Madejski Stadium was close after Bacuna was dropped from Villa's squad in midweek.

Speaking ahead of their Championship fixture against Cardiff City tomorrow (Saturday), Bruce confirmed he expects Bacuna to move to Berkshire in the near future.

"I would think there is a deal to be done (with Reading)," Bruce told the Birmingham Mail.

"The two clubs are talking.

"I think it's well known that Reading's the club. It's out there.

"He won't be involved for the weekend.

"I believe we're close but in all of these things negotiations seems to take forever and ever at the moment."

Former FC Grongingen player Bacuna, 25, has been linked with a switch to Berkshire for several weeks and it was reported Royals had a bid turned down earlier in the transfer window.

Royals boss Stam is eager to bolster his injury-plagued squad and wants to strike a deal for the versatile player, who can operate as a midfielder or as a fullback, for around £1.5m, it is believed.

Sources claimed Royals boss Jaap Stam held discussions about transfers with the club’s hierarchy in the wake of the 2-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers last Saturday.

More follows.