COLCHESTER United star Greg Halford is set to join Premiership side Reading.The EADT understands the move was being finalised this afternoon and could be concluded later today.

COLCHESTER United star Greg Halford is set to join Premiership side Reading.

The EADT understands the move was being finalised this afternoon and could be concluded later today.

It is believed that Halford will not be in the U's squad for tonight's Coca-Cola Championship match against Preston at Layer Road.

The transfer fee is not known for the utility player who has been used as a right back this season.

Colchester have turned down bids in excess of £1m for Halford in the past with a posse of clubs keeping tabs on his progress including Sheffield United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

The U's record transfer fee received is the £2.25m received for Lomana Lua Lua from Newcastle United in September 2000.