Sources: West Ham & Everton target Richards agrees to join Bayern Munich
Reading defender Omar Richards has agreed to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer in a blow to Premier League suitors led by West Ham and Everton, Football Insider understands.
The 22-year-old has told the Bundesliga giants he will sign a pre-contract and join when his Royals contract expires.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the deal for the left-back is effectively done barring an unexpected twist.
It will mean Richards joining the European champions at the end of the season.
Recent reports suggested the left-sided defender would sign a new contract a the Madejski Stadium.
But the representatives of Richards, who has been capped by England at Under-21 level, have now finalised terms with Bayern.
He is ready to sign a three-year contract with last season's Champions League winners.
That is a blow to Premier League sides who have been closely monitoring his situation at Reading.
West Ham and Everton have pursued Richards as well as Wolves and Crystal Palace.
He has been one of Reading’s star performers this season, making 24 starts in the Championship among 26 appearances in all competitions.
Bayern are keen to add competition for their established left-back, Alphonso Davies, as they prepare to lose versatile defender David Alaba on a summer free.
Richards, who began his career at Fulham but was released at the age of 15, would join the former Chelsea midfielder Jamal Musiala at Bayern if he makes the move.