Royals swoop for Utd striker

Hunt signs three-year contract to join brother at the Madejski

Last updated: 23rd July 2008

Noel Hunt Dundee United

Hunt: Keen to play in England

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Dundee United striker Noel Hunt has linked up with older brother Stephen at Reading.

Hunt has signed a three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium and has arrived for an undisclosed fee.

He revealed interest from the Royals last month and Reading's director of football Nicky Hammond believes Hunt can aid the club's quest for promotion to the Premier League.

"I'd like to thank chief executive Stephen Thompson and manager Craig Levein for their assistance in concluding this deal," Hammond told the club's official website.

Real desire

"Dundee United didn't want to lose Noel, but understood his real desire to embark upon a new challenge with Reading Football Club.

"From my conversations with Noel, it is clear that he possesses the qualities of hunger and determination that Steve Coppell wants at this club as we attempt to regain a place in the Premier League."

Hunt's contract at Tannadice was due to expire next summer and United boss Craig Levein feels the SPL club have received a fair price.

Levein said: "This transfer represents an excellent deal for Dundee United and helps bring further financial stability to the club.

"Following an initial enquiry last season, we were aware that Reading might make a formal offer before the close of this transfer window and made plans accordingly.

"We knew that a formal offer would require serious consideration and we knew we had to plan to replace Noel before it became too late to do so."