Stephen Kelly becomes free agent after leaving Reading

Reading have announced that Stephen Kelly is now a free agent after failing to agree terms on a new contract with the Royals.

At the end of the season, Reading said that they were interested in extending the Irishman's stay, but negotiations this summer have not resulted in an agreement.

Kelly follows Jem Karacan, Adam Federici, Alex Pearce and Mikkel Andersen in leaving the club, and Reading thanked those who have left on their website.

"This summer has seen a changing of the guard at Madejski Stadium, and while we look forward to the future with optimism, the club felt it right to express its gratitude to those who have left," it said.

"The game of football moves quickly, but that should not preclude us from simply saying thank you."

Kelly, 31, joined Reading from Fulham two-and-a-half years ago, but failed to make more than 15 league appearances in his two full seasons with the Royals.