Reading Director of Football Operations Mark Bowen has told supporters of Harvey Knibbs' 'natural creative spark' to get excitement flowing for the club's first signing of the summer.

Signing the former Cambridge United midfielder on a three-year deal, the Royals had been the only third tier side yet to make a transfer due to the club's EFL embargo.

Taken off the club following an overdue payment to HMRC, Knibbs' announcement did not keep supporters waiting long.

Speaking on the club website, former manager Bowen explained the thought-process behind signing the 24-year-old.

"Harvey has been on our radar for some time now and we are very pleased he has agreed to sign a contract with us," he said. "Young, quick, hungry, hard-working and with a natural creative spark, I am delighted he has agreed to be a part of what we are striving to achieve at Reading.”

The next job for the club hierarchy is the confirmation of manager Ruben Selles, who has been awaiting his visa for almost three weeks.

Less than a month remains until the Royals' curtain-raiser against Peterborough United on August 5.