Reading have announced the acquisition of 21 - year - old Nigerian midfielder Hope Akpan on a three - and - a - half - year contract.

Femi Orenuga, a former teammate of Hope Akpan at Everton, has commented on the capture of Akpan by The Royals. He has tipped Akpan to be a success in the Premier League.

 ''I am very happy for him that he has signed for Reading, he really does deserve it. I always told him he will get a big move and it has happened. I know his family will be so happy too.

''I think Hope is a good player, he is the type to learn as much as he can. I think he will do well in the Premier League and secure a starting position at Reading,'' Orenuga told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Adds Orenuga: ''We had good times on and off the pitch during my time with Everton. We used to go to church together with his parents and sisters.''

Hope Akpan will train for the first time with his new teammates on Thursday. He arrives Reading from League one side Crawley Town .

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