Royals signs three young Koreans

Last updated : 19 July 2007 By Angus Muller

Nam Taehee, Ji Dongwon and Kim Wonsik will join the Royals' academy as part of the Korean Football Association's overseas youth development programme.

Reading academy manager Eamonn Dolan told his club's website: "We're pleased to form this partnership with the KFA.

"Signing Seol Ki-Hyeon and playing in the Peace Cup has given us a strong presence in South Korea and this strengthens that relationship."

Seol, 28, moved to the Madejeski Stadium from Wolves for £1.5m in July 2006.

A similar project by the KFA was behind his first move to Europe when he joined Belgian side Royal Antwerp in 2000.

"The three young boys will be with us initially for one season," added Dolan.

"I hope that during that period they will add to our academy and we will add to their education, both in terms of football and general life skills."

BBC