Reading close in on Mariga loan deal

English Premier League (EPL) club Reading are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Macdonald Mariga.

This development comes after Fulham manager Martin Jol denied any interest in the Kenyan.

The Kenyan international has featured limitedly at the Nerazzuri and would welcome an opportunity to move to the EPL. This season, Mariga has played four games where three of them have been from the bench.

Reading, who are currently fighting relegation, are keen on a loan deal with an option of making the deal permanent at the end of the season. However, Inter are reluctant to let go of the player permanently since most of their first team members are nearing the sunset of their playing years. Coach Andrea Strammiccioni also views Mariga as an integral part of his Nerazzuri vision.

Mariga, who won the UEFA Champions league in 2010, has been out of action for 8 months following an injury while on loan at Parma. This would be the third loan spell for the 25-year who has also played on loan at Spanish side Real Sociedad.

First published in January 2013