Hornets defender Adrian Mariappa is having a medical at Reading this morning, the Watford Observer understands.

Mariappa was the subject of a £2m bid from Reading back in June and we understand the Royals’ second offer was accepted yesterday.

We understand the initial fee is around £2m but there are further add-ons and clauses.

The 25-year-old only has 12 months left on his current contract and new manager Gianfranco Zola stated on Tuesday night that he would not stand in Mariappa’s way if he wanted a return to the Premier League.

Mariappa has three young children and not having to move home is likely have been factored into his decision.

Reading, who were taken over by Russian tycoon Anton Zingarevich earlier this year, won the Championship last season.

The Royals have already invested in their squad this summer as they attempt to remain in the Premier League, with the signings of striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, midfielder Danny Guthrie, winger Garath McCleary and left-back Nicky Shorey.

Centre half was a priority for Reading and their manager Brian McDermott was keen to secure Mariappa’s services before his side headed to Portugal for a pre-season training camp on Wednesday.

Mariappa is a graduate of Watford’s academy and has made 247 appearances for the club since his debut in 2005.

He has been a mainstay of the Hornets side in recent years and has excelled in his favoured position of centre half.

The Jamaica international 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.