SIX-AND-A-HALF years after he left the club, striker Simon Cox has rejoined Reading.

The 27-year-old, who came through the ranks at the Madejski Stadium, left the club in January 2008, enjoying a goal-laden spell with Swindon Town.

He went on to play for West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League before joining Nottingham Forest. He moves back to Reading for a fee thought to be in excess of £500,000, signing a two-year deal.

Cox said: “I’m very lucky to have played once for this football club and signing the second time feels just as good.

“I still know a lot of the players here so bedding in shouldn't be too hard for me. I’m delighted to be here and I can't wait to get started again.”

Royals fans will be hoping that Cox is the first of a number of players to sign for the club as a Thai consortium moves closer to completing a take-over.

Striker Jamie Mackie looks set to join from Forest on loan, while defender Anton Ferdinand is also thought to be close to signing.