Reading manager Brian McDermott has told former Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder Jay Tabb he is free to leave the club this month.

The 28-year-old has made 12 Premier League appearances this season, his last start coming in the defeat at Manchester City on December 22nd. However, McDermott has just signed Hope Akpan from Crawley and Sporting Lisbon captain Daniel Carrico and now views Tabb’s position further down the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are close to completing a deal for Senegalese defender Kader Mangane (29), manager Martin O’Neill confirmed yesterday.

He is expected to agree personal terms before joining on loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move.

If Mangane does join he will become their second signing of the transfer window after Alfred N’Diaye joined from Bursaspor.