Reading have added to their defensive options by swooping to sign Michael Duberry from Stoke.
The Royals have made an excellent transition to life in the Premiership and are well placed to push on for a place in Europe in the second half of the season.
Reading have all but secured their place in the top flight for next term, but manager Steve Coppell is not looking to rest on his laurels as he has brought in Duberry to add some experience to his squad.
Coppell agreed an undisclosed fee for the 31-year-old and Duberry has put his name to an 18-month deal.
Reading took advantage of a clause in Duberry's contract which allowed him to move to a Premiership club and The Royals have expressed delight at wrapping up the deal.
Royals director of football Nick Hammond said: "Michael is a very experienced centre-half who has played at the highest level, including nearly 150 Premiership appearances and a European final.
"This season he has captained a Stoke team which has the best defensive record in the Championship, and we think this is a very sensible signing which gives us additional quality as we enter the final stages of the season."