Reading Close in on £1.25m Signing of Swansea Forward Modou Barrow as Stam Looks to Go One Better

Reading FC look set to announce the signing of Swansea City forward Modou Barrow, reports claim. 

According to Sky Sports News, the Royals have agreed to a deal in the region of £1.25m to sign the six-time capped Gambian international. They are now in the process of discussing personal terms over a permanent move to the Madejski Stadium. 

Barrow had found first-team football opportunities limited at the Liberty Stadium at the back end of the previous campaign, and despite a loan move to Leeds he still struggled to make any form of impact. 

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Fernando Llorente of Swansea City (CL) and Modou Barrow of Swansea City (CR) are dejected after Middlesbrough score their third goal of the game during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Swansea City at Riverside Stadium on December 17, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

Nigel Roddis/GettyImages

He managed 20 appearances under Francesco Guidolin and then Bob Bradley and looked to be in good form, but Swansea boss Paul Clement has deemed him to be surplus to requirement and does not see a role for him at the club. 

The 24-year-old made the move to South Wales in 2014 leaving Ostersunds FK for £1.5m. Yet, he has always struggled for game time and found himself subsequently loaned out on three separate occasions (at Blackburn Rovers, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United).

Barrow is predominantly a winger, but can also play behind the striker or even as a number nine. This versatility would give Reading manager Jaap Stam more options and pace in his attacking department. 

The fleet-footed forward is renowned for his pace, but has often been lambasted for his lack of end product with just one goal and five assists to show for in over 50 premier league appearances. He now looks set to start a new chapter in his career. 

Reading's transfer activities continue to notch up a gear as this news comes just hours after the announcement of Vito Mannone's signing from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee. 

Jaap Stam continues to reinforce his squad after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Huddersfield in the Championship play-off final last season.