Reading midfielder pens extension as pre-season preparations pick up

Reading midfielder Tivonge Rushesha has penned a one-year extension to remain at the club until 2025.

One of two first-team players offered new deals last month, the Zimbabwe international joins full-back Kelvin Abrefa in committing his future to the club despite the off-field issues continuing to dominate headlines.

21-year-old Rushesha moved to Berkshire from Swansea City last summer and made 11 first-team appearances, including four in League One.

The versatile youngster also featured 10 times for Noel Hunt's Under-21 outfit throughout the course of what was a successful campaign for the youth sides.

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “We’re very happy to secure the signature of Tiv for the upcoming season. His attitude and application around both the First Team and Under 21 sides has been exceptional throughout his first year, and we are all looking forward to seeing him continue his development with us.”

This now only leaves question marks hanging over the futures of a handful of youth prospects, including the likes of Adrian Akande and Michael Stickland.