Chris Gunter became the last piece in Brian McDermott’s jigsaw just hours after the Reading boss landed Adrian Mariappa from Watford for an initial £2million.

Gunter, who has penned a three-year deal with the option of another year at Madejski Stadium, cost £2.3million from Nottingham Forest.

Reading FC complete Adrian Mariappa signing

The 22-year-old Wales international right-back could form part of a new-look back four at Madejski Stadium next season after becoming the third defender to join this summer.

He said: “If you form a team spirit, a togetherness, you’ll always do well in football – and if you work hard you’ll get your rewards.

“Reading have certainly done that in the last few years. Hopefully that can carry on. Right now, I need to focus on impressing everyone at this club and I’m really excited to get going.”

And as reported in getreading on Friday – Royals’ long-standing interest in 25-year-old centre-back Mariappa paid off after he agreed a three-year deal to leave Vicarage Road.

He said: “It was a hard decision to leave Watford because I’ve been there since I was nine years old and grew up at the club.”

Athletic, quick and strong in the air, Mariappa played 247 times for the Hornets after coming through the ranks at the Hertfordshire club where he was coached by Reading’s assistant manager Nigel Gibbs and development coach Chris Cummins.

“I also know Jobi McAnuff from his time at Watford,” continued the Jamaica international. “We have always kept in touch and I was really impressed with how Reading did last season.

“I know their defence with Kaspars Gorkss and Alex Pearce was one of the reasons that they won the Championship. I’m sure I will have a fight on my hands to break into the team, but I’m ready for the challenge.”

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