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Reading MAD have exclusive inside information and have been led to believe that Danny Cullip will be wearing a Royals shirt next season. The 26-year-old is thought to have yesterday signed a three-year deal at the Madejski Stadium.
With all out of contract players formerly being released by their clubs on Sunday, the Bracknell-born star is expected to be officially unveiled as a Royals player next week.
Cullip is contracted to Brighton until the summer of 2005 so it is highly-likely that Reading had to pay a transfer fee for the former Oxford man. As yet Reading MAD do not have any details of the agrewement that was reached between Reading and Brighton.
Last Saturday we first caught wind of a possible transfer deal when it was confirmed to us that Danny Cullip had moved house to Lower Earley and was set to move to an as then unknown club.
On Monday, we then learnt that Cullip had a Thursday meeting with Alan Pardew to discuss a possible transfer. Yesterday's noon exchange between the duo is said to have went extremely well and a deal was reached quickly.
The 6ft 1 inch centre-back is expected to challenge Adie Williams and Steve Brown for they're first team spot.
Whilst the club have refused to comment on any transfer dealings, one of Reading MAD's 'informers' was told by the now former Brighton captain himself that he will be playing his football at Reading next season.
Alan Pardew has been in the market for a centre-back for some time now as the Royals were left a little short of cover at the back at times last season. Furthermore, Pards is thought to have been a long-term admirer of Cullip.
The move for Cullip should signal the end of John Mackie's Reading career. Mackie, who turns 27 next month, has been told that he is surplus to requirements by manager Alan Pardew and is free to leave the club, despite having a year left on his current deal.
The London-born centre-back had hoped to stay at the Madejski Stadium and fight for his place. Now that the signing of Cullip is expected to be confirmed, Mackie is likely to leave the club. Hibernian are believed to be interested.
If the Cullip deal happens next week, and we're 99% certain that it will, just remember that you heard it at Reading MAD first!
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