Reading academy striker Luca Fletcher has said farewell to his club ahead of a move to Manchester City, the League One side have confirmed.
The 16-year-old England youth international is set to join the City academy, according to his Royals youth coach, having reportedly turned down a contract offer at the Madejski Stadium.
Reading were relegated from the Championship last season, although Fletcher was making his name at youth level rather than playing in their unsuccessful relegation battle.
Royals Academy Manager Michael Gilkes confirmed that City offered a 'significant sum' for Fletcher, and that the striker will move to the City Football Academy, while Fletcher thanked his youth coaches for their role in the first 'chapter' of his career.
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“Within our Academy are a totally devoted team who rightly take immense pride in developing young footballers, both as people and as players,” Gilkes told the Reading Chronicle, who report that City will pay over £600,000 for Fletcher.
“The role of our Academy has always been to provide a return on the investment. We hope that return comes in the form of young players featuring for our first team - scoring goals, making tackles, keeping clean sheets with the Reading crest on their chest.
"However, that return can also be represented by the might of Manchester City offering a significant sum for the services of a 16-year-old we have helped develop into a fine young footballer. We will proudly follow Luca’s continued path into professional football and we would all like to wish him and his family the very best for the future.”
Taking to Instagram, Fletcher posted: "The end of a chapter. It’s been a pleasure to play for this club for the start of my career. I would like to say thank you to all the coaches, staff and close teammates who have made me into the player I am today. #newchapter."
