Reading poised to sign Bertrand

Bertrand (right) made 40 appearances for Norwich last season

Reading have agreed terms with Chelsea to sign England under-21 left-back Ryan Bertrand on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old, who becomes Brendan Rodgers' first signing as Royals manager, will complete the paperwork on his move next week.

Bertrand joined Chelsea from Gillingham in 2005, linking up with Rodgers who was reserve team coach at the time.

He is yet to play a first-team game for Chelsea, but has enjoyed loan spells at Norwich, Oldham and Bournemouth.

Bertrand has clocked up 91 senior appearances during those loan spells and Rodgers believes he has a big future.

"He's a big talent," Rodgers told the club website. "He's a boy who has obviously been groomed to fill in for Ashley Cole in the future.

"I was involved in Ryan coming to Chelsea when we took him to Gillingham at 16.

"I have worked closely with him for three years or so and nurtured his development and he's developed into a top-class young player."