Steve Clarke believes Reading have signed one of the “brightest young goalkeepers” in English football after Jonathan Bond put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the Madejski Stadium.

The England Under-21 keeper has moved to the Championship club in a bid to secure regular first-team football on a permanent basis after turning down a new deal at Vicarage Road where the Hornets had planned to send him out on loan next season.

Royals boss Clarke told the club website: "I’m delighted that we have managed to secure the signature of one of English football's brightest young goalkeepers.

"Jonathan is at the stage of his career where he needs a new challenge and the opportunity to establish himself as first choice goalkeeper.

"He has all the attributes needed to reach the very top and, with the help of Dave Beasant, it is our aim to get him there.”

Clarke added that he is hoping to sign an experienced keeper to complement Bond and fellow shot stopper Stuart Moore.

Bond announced his departure on Twitter before the move was officially confirmed by both clubs. You can read what he had to say here while our initial story on Bond's departure is here.