Reading goalkeeper Vito Mannone is set to join Major League Soccer side Minnesota United for the rest of the year, according to football.london.
Under new manager Jose Gomes, Reading shot-stopper Vito Mannone has fallen down the pecking order at the Madejski Stadium. Now, he is close to joining MLS side Minnesota United on loan.
Arsenal loanee Emiliano Martinez joined Reading on loan for the rest of the season during the January transfer window. The Argentinian ‘keeper has started the last two Championship games, drawing against Aston Villa and fellow relegation candidates Bolton Wanderers.
27-year-old goalie Sam Walker has taken up a position on the bench as well, leaving Mannone out of the first team picture completely.
Football.london writes that the goalkeeper’s departure is set to be announced later this week as he moves closer to a move Stateside.
The 30-year-old ‘keeper started his career in his home country Italy, before joining the academy at Premier League side Arsenal. He graduated through the Gunners’ academy, but only made 23 first team appearances over the course of eight years with Arsenal.
In 2006, he joined Barnsley on loan for a brief spell at Oakwell before suffering a knee injury, cutting his loan spell short. He spent the majority of his Arsenal career providing back up for both Manuel Almunia and Wojciech Szczesny. He spent two separate loan spells with Hull City from 2010 to 2012, playing 33 times for the Tigers.
In 2013, Mannone completed a permanent move to Sunderland and went on to spend four years at the Stadium of Light. Upon the Black Cats’ relegation to the Championship, Mannone signed a four-year deal with Reading.
