Pavel Pogrebnyak completes Reading switch

Pavel Pogrebnyak has completed a move to Reading after the Russian striker was granted a work permit.

The 28-year-old has joined the Premier League newcomers on a free transfer from Werder Bremen after spending the end of last season on loan at Fulham.

"We're delighted. It's been a long process to get Pavel to the club and now he's officially a Reading player and everyone is looking forward to working with him," Royals manager Brian McDermott told the club's official website.

"Having met Pavel, he is a top guy, his work ethic is excellent and I'm sure he will be very important to our group in the coming years."

Pogrebnyak scored six goals in 13 games for Fulham while he was on loan at Craven Cottage last term.