MANCHESTER United defender Tyler Blackett finally sealed his move to Reading FC last night.

The 22-year-old penned a four-year contract at Madejski Stadium and became Jaap Stam's 11th signing of the summer.

It is thought Royals coughed up around £1 million for Blackett's services after beating a string of rival clubs to his signature.

He becomes the second defender to join the Royals in a matter of days following Liam Moore from Leicester City.

And Stam, a former Manchester United defender himself, is expecting big things from Blackett.

“As we know, Tyler is a talented defender who has played for United’s first team,” he said.

“He can play as a left-back or a left-sided centre-back; he has got great potential in the sense that he is quick and athletic, defensively he is strong and he is good at set-pieces.

“As a defender he can go and play high up the pitch as well, and that is what we need in the squad.”

Blackett was present for Reading's 2-2 draw with Brighton at Madejski Stadium on Saturday before undergoing a medical yesterday.

He joined United's Academy aged eight, turning pro in 2012 when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.

He was loaned to Blackpool and Birmingham City then enjoyed his breakthrough season at Old Trafford in 2014/15 when he made 11 Premier League appearances under Louis van Gaal.

Blackett was loaned to Scottish giants Celtic last season, but he struggled for regular games.

And with his chances also limited at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho, Blackett was keen to move this summer to boost his chances of regular first-team football.

The England Under 21 international will wear the number 24 shirt, but he won't be involved in tonight's EFL Cup second round home tie against MK Dons (8pm ko) because Royals did not complete the signing in time.

Reading chief executive Nigel Howe said: “We are very pleased that Tyler has chosen to join us at Madejski Stadium and be a part of this Reading squad.

“He is another young talented footballer who we hope will continue to blossom during his time with us.”