Omar Richards agrees to join Bayern Munich from Reading

Omar Richards, previously a target of several Premier League clubs, has agreed to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The left-back has impressed for Championship surprise package Reading this campaign, only missing a handful of games so far and helping the Royals cement themselves as playoff contenders. Richards has excelled defensively for his side, racking up a tackle competition rate of over 80% during the first two thirds of the season.

His Royals contract is set to expire in the summer and although recent reports suggested that a new deal was imminent, Football Insider claim that he has instead reached an agreement with Bayern. This means that Richards will link up with the recently crowned world champions at the end of the season. The news is a blow to West Ham, Everton and several other Premier League sides who were said to be interested in the player.

Die Roten supposedly view the 22-year-old as a competitor to starting left-back Alphonso Davies. Their need to strengthen at the back is high due to David Alaba looking increasingly likely to depart the club, with Real Madrid his most likely destination.

Richards - who has won a solitary cap for England's Under-21 side - will apparently sign a three-year-deal in Bavaria, where he will link up with fellow Englishman Jamal Musiala. His arrival will also complete a rather unconventional route to the top of European football.

Released by Fulham at the age of 15, he was soon picked up by Reading where he completed his youth career, going on to make his senior debut for the Royals in 2017. Since then, his role in the first team has steadily increased until his breakout campaign this season.