Royals swoop for Arsenal keeper Stack

READING have signed Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack on loan.

The 23-year-old, who was farmed out by the Gunners to Millwall last season, will provide competition for current number one Marcus Hahnemann and is expected to seal a permanent deal with the Royals in January.

Manager Steve Coppell has been searching for a new keeper after deciding to send Jamie Young on loan to Rushden and Diamonds to gain first-team experience.

Reading director of football Nick Hammond said: “It was imperative we signed another goalkeeper to provide competition for the goalkeeping jersey.

“Graham is an excellent young keeper and I am very pleased that we have held off a number of clubs to bring him to the Madejski Stadium.”

Stack, a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, will complete his permanent transfer in the New Year, pending the outcome of a court case due to take place in September.