READING have allowed midfielder Hope Akpan to leave the Madejski Stadium and join Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Everton, was signed from Crawley Town by Reading boss Brian McDermott in January 2013.

He made 39 starts for the Royals, scoring once, but struggled to force his way into the first team on a regular basis.

He has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal at Blackburn.

Reading manager Steve Clarke said: "Last season was a frustrating one for Hope Akpan due to injury and lack of game-time.

"It is an area of the pitch where we are well covered and it would be wrong to deny Hope the chance to play matches and start to move his career forward again.

"He was always a good person in my squad with the correct attitude towards training and I wish him well for the future.”