Josh Barrett: Coventry City sign Reading forward on loan

Josh Barrett made three appearances for Reading's under-21 side in the EFL Trophy this season in addition to his one senior game

League Two side Coventry have signed Reading forward Josh Barrett on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Barrett has extended his contract with Reading until the end of the 2020-21 campaign, but will join up with the Sky Blues on 2 January.

The 19-year-old made his Royals first-team debut in a 2-0 win over Gillingham in the EFL Cup in August.

"Josh is a footballer with a great deal of potential," Reading boss Jaap Stam told the club website.

"He will learn a lot with Coventry about playing competitive football and what kind of expectation that brings, how demanding the schedule can be, and hopefully he can help them in their push for promotion."

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Darragh Leahy has left Coventry by mutual consent.

The 19-year-old defender arrived from St Kevin's Boys Club in January 2015, but did not make a first-team appearance.