Antonio signs new Reading deal

28 April 2010 14:02
Reading have taken the option to extend Michail Antonio`s contract until next summer, ending Southampton`s hopes of signing the winger on a permanent basis. Antonio, 20, made his Royals debut at the start of this season before joining Saints on loan in October, where he has made a total of 38 appearances and scored seven goals. The League One club had hoped to turn his loan deal into a permanent deal and the two clubs were understood to be in talks, with Antonio revealing he would be happy to stay at St Mary`s to play first-team football. But, with his current contract set to expire this summer, Reading have activated a clause which extends his stay in Berkshire for another year. It remains to be seen whether Saints will attempt to negotiate another loan arrangement for 2010/11 but such has been his progress this term that Royals boss Brian McDermott may himself wish to unleash him on the Championship.

Source: PA