Garath McCleary pleased to have committed to new deal at Reading

Garath McCleary is delighted to have brought lengthy contract talks to a close and to have committed his future to Reading.

The 27-year-old winger has penned a new deal at the Madejski Stadium through to 2017.

Fresh terms have been over a year in the making, with discussions having dragged on for some time.

A final agreement has been reached, though, and McCleary can now focus on his football, rather than become distracted by ongoing transfer talk and the threat of dropping into the free agent pool.

He told the Reading Post: “We’ve been talking about it for quite a while now.

“I think it’s been just over a year so I’m thankful it’s all been done, especially with me being injured.

“The club have shown they have faith in me so it’s been good on their part as well, even though it has taken a fairly long time because of the takeover situation.

“But I was always promised that when someone came in that things would move on quickly.

“The club have kept their word so I’m really happy to have signed.”

Jamaica international McCleary, who was linked with the likes of Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion over the summer, added: “There was interest in the summer and I think there were a few bids that were rejected.

“From Reading’s part, that shows they always wanted to keep me, which is nice to know.

“They always knew my stance. I’d always stated that I wanted a new contract and to stay.

“So I’m just really happy it’s finally been completed.”