Reading have confirmed the signing of Watford vice-captain Adrian Mariappa on a three-year contract.

The Hornets have described the transfer sum as "a significant undisclosed fee" but the Watford Observer understands the initial figure is in excess of £2m and could rise to more than £2.5m.

Mariappa completed his medical on Friday and the Royals were keen to confirm the signing before they left for Portugal tomorrow.

The Harrow-born defender is a graduate of Watford’s academy and has made 247 appearances for the club since his debut in 2005.

The father-of-three has been a mainstay of the Hornets side in recent years and has excelled in his favoured position of centre half.

The 25-year-old was the clear winner of both the Watford Observer Player of the Season Trophy and the Players’ Player of the Year crown and his displays attracted the interest of a host of Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic bid for the defender in January and Swansea City also enquired about the centre back at the beginning of the season, but were put off by the club’s asking price.

Reading had a £2m bid for Mariappa rejected before the club's takeover last month but their second offer was accepted by the Pozzos.

Click here to see who will be Mariappa's replacement.