Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond has confirmed he is joining Reading but says the club he is leaving “is in the best shape it’s ever been in”.

We reported earlier today that the England Under-21 was set to make the short move to the Royals after turning down a new contract at Vicarage Road.

Bond wrote in a series of four tweets: “Delighted to join @ReadingFC and carry on my own development at a great club!

“Impossible to thank @WatfordFC fans players and staff enough in tweets like these. A club I’ve been at since 10 and will always be part of my life.

“I’m so happy we achieved promotion that the club deserved and waited for for a long time. The club is in the best shape it’s ever been in and I hope I’ll see you up there soon in the Premier League with another great club in @Reading FC.”

The move was subsequently confirmed by both clubs. The fee is officially undisclosed, although it has been reported the Royals have paid £250,000 for the keeper, who has signed a three-year deal with the Championship side.

Click here to read our story on Bond’s departure from Vicarage Road.