Simon Cox moves back to Reading

Nottingham Forest striker Simon Cox has joined former club Reading on a two-year deal, the Championship club confirmed this afternoon.

The Republic of Ireland international began his career with his hometown club, joining Reading's academy at the age of nine, but made just nine first team appearances off the bench before joining Swindon in 2008.

His eye-catching form at Swindon earned him a move to West Brom and saw him become a regular for Ireland, winning 30 caps to date.

The 27-year-old had one year left on his contract with Forest, who he joined in 2012, but was told by new manager Stuart Pearce that he was surplus to requirements at the City Ground. The fee for Cox's move was undisclosed but is understood to be in the region of €800,000.

“I’m very lucky to have played once for this football club and signing the second time feels just as good,” Cox said this afternoon. “I still know a lot of the players here so bedding in shouldn’t be too hard for me! I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started again.”

Another Irish striker on the move this afternoon was Stephen Elliott, who has teamed up with Carlisle United.

The former Sunderland, Norwich and Hearts forward had been without a club after being let go by Coventry at the end of the 2012-13 season but has been offered a one-year deal by Carlisle manager Graham Kavanagh.