READING FC youngster Josh Barrett has signed a new deal at the club - and immediately sealed a loan move to Coventry City.

The Royals Academy graduate has inked a new contract to keep him at the Madjeski until July 2021.

Reading have also confirmed the 19-year-old midfielder will join Coventry City in January on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Barrett has made two senior appearances this season, most recently in the 2-0 win against Gillingham in the Carabao Cup.

The midfielder has made 15 appearances this season for the club's Under 23 and Under 21 sides, scoring an impressive nine goals in the process. 

Manager Jaap Stam said: "Josh is a footballer with a great deal of potential – he has been demonstrating that this season in training and with our Under 23s, and he has earned his new deal at Reading.  

"He will learn a lot with Coventry about playing competitive football and what kind of expectation that brings, how demanding the schedule can be, and hopefully he can help them in their push for promotion.  

"It is up to Josh to earn and keep a place in their team by performing well and showing a good attitude, and I wish him every success during his time there.”

Barrett will link up with Coventry, who are currently sixth in League 2, on January 1st 2018. 

He became the 39th player from Reading's youth system to make a first-team debut when he came off the bench at Huddersfield Town in March 2016.

He made two further first-team appearances that season and last year was a regular in the Under 23s team which earned a place in the final of the Premier League Cup.

Barrett has also made one international appearance for Republic of Ireland U21s and 11 for their U17s.

He has been one of the stand-out players for Royals U23s this season and will now link up with Mark Robins’ Sky Blues in League Two.

Reading chief executive Ron Gourlay stated: “As we continue to build at Reading, it is imperative that our young and talented players form a key part of our future.

"I am delighted that Josh has extended his deal with us and we hope he can reach his potential with us in the coming seasons.  He now has a great opportunity to make his mark with Coventry and we will be watching his progress with keen interest.”

Royals' Technical Director Brian Tevreden added: “Josh has made an excellent contribution for Scott Marshall’s Under 23s so far this season, and it is important for his development as a player that he continues to push his boundaries.

"This loan with Coventry City will undoubtedly help him to understand the rigours of a league campaign and we wish him every success in his time there. 

"We look forward to welcoming Josh back in the summer, when he will bring that experience back with him to continue his progress in the blue and white hoops with a much-deserved new contract.”