READING have completed the loan signing of Espanyol midfielder Alex Fernandez.

The 22-year-old, who is a product of the Real Madrid youth system, comes to the Madejski Stadium on a season-long loan, with a view to making the move permanent at the end of the season.

Hernandez has represented Spain at every level up to under-20 and was a key player as Real's B team won promotion to the second tier in 2011-12. He made one appearance in La Liga before signing for Espanyol in 2013.

Reading manager Steve Clarke said: "He is a talented young footballer who can play in different positions throughout midfield. 

"Any footballer who has come through the youth system at Real Madrid always gets a good football education and will have a good understanding of the game.

"When we knew we could get him on loan for a season it was too good an opportunity to miss."

Fernandez becomes Reading's second signing in recent days, Clarke having also secured the signature of Peru winger Paolo Hurtado.