By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: <a href= http://bit.ly/lsiOza' class='instorylink'>@skysportspeteo</a>
Friday 13 July 2012 09:01, UK
Image:Adrian Mariappa: Poised to move to Premier League new boys Reading
Sky Sports understands Reading are closing in on the signing of Watford defender Adrian Mariappa.
Reading to win race for Hornets stopper
Sky Sports understands Reading are closing in on the signing of Watford defender Adrian Mariappa.
The Royals have been chasing Mariappa all summer and had a £2million bid rejected by Watford last month.
Reading boss Brian McDermott is keen to bring in the highly-rated stopper as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the best defensive talents outside the Premier League after impressing at Watford over the last couple of years.
Watford are reluctant to lose last season's Player of the Year, but it is understood a deal is close to being done.
McDermott is keen to finalise a deal as soon as possible to fend off interest from a number of other clubs in Mariappa.
