ZAMBIAN defender Stopilla Sunzu has claimed that he is on the verge of signing for Reading.

The 23-year-old centre-back was on trial at the Madejski Stadium last week and believes that he will be making the move to Berkshire for good in the near future.

“Everything went well,” Sunzu said. “I’m happy because I passed the assessment and now it’s up to TP Mazembe and Reading to finalise the deal. When they do that, I will sign the contract.”

Even if that happens in the coming days, Sunzu will not be available for Reading’s FA Cup tie against Sheffield United as he is currently playing for Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Reading go into Saturday’s game (kick-off 3pm) full of confidence, having won their last three and four of their last five, a run that has seen them move to within one point of safety at the bottom of the Premier League.

Sheffield United travel to the Madejski Stadium having won just one of their last five outings – but they remain in the hunt for promotion from League One and are capable of causing an upset if Reading do not play at their best.