Walsall sign Reading winger Jack Nolan

The 18-year-old becomes the Saddlers' first signing of the January transfer window, joining on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

The club also haven't revealed the length of the forward's contract.

Nolan, who signed his first professional contract with the Royals in May 2018, has been capped by England at Under-17s level and he has been a regular for Reading’s Under-23s this season.

He is expected to join up with the first team immediately.

“I’m delighted to be here,” Nolan said.

“I can’t wait to get going with the team and hopefully get some first team action.

“It’s my first time in the football league so I am really looking forward to it.

“Things have moved very quickly from when Darrell first made contact with Reading and this is a great opportunity for myself and hopefully I can bring a lot to Walsall Football Club whilst I’m here.

“Darrell said to me that it was great opportunity for me to come and hopefully get some games in the league.

“Obviously there is a lot of hard work ahead because I am still so young. The conversation I had with Darrell made my mind up that Walsall was the place for me to come to.

“The aim for me is to make my professional league debut but the biggest thing for me is adapting to league football. I have only been with the Under-23s at Reading so I am really looking forward to getting going.

“I’m a winger who predominantly likes to play on the right. I like to cut inside and try and score and create goals for the team.

“I’m going to try and be a real attacking threat against the opposition when I’m playing.”

Manager Darrell Clarke highlighted the wide areas as a position to strengthen his team this month and the 42-year-old is pleased to add Nolan's 'pedigree' to his squad.

“We’re really pleased to add Jack to the squad,” he said.

“We have watched him closely over a period of time and we like the potential of the lad.

“He fits into the project of a left footed wide player that we’ve been after. He is still a young lad and he’s going to need a bit of time to bed in but I’m looking forward to working with him and building a decent youthful side mixed with some experienced players.

“He’s been capped by England at Under 17 level so he’s got good pedigree and we’re delighted to have him on board.”