Reading defender Tom McIntyre is ready to join League One leaders Portsmouth for just £75,000, the Reading Chronicle understands.The Reading Chronicle understands the fee agreed was less than £80,000 and was agreed before manager Ruben Selles or director of football Mark Bowen were alerted.This comes after club officials specifically asked to keep players and avoid fire sales and #039; among employees, fearing that other key stars may follow suit.The Royals are three points away from safety in the League One relegation zone.The 25-year-old rose through the youth system and made over 100 appearances for his boyhood club.Playing time has been hard to come by this season and the versatile defender wanted to move on.He follows fellow defenders Nelson Abbey, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Tom Holmes this month – although Holmes has returned on loan.Reading defender Tom McIntyre was linked with League 1 leaders Portsmouth ahead of Thursday’s deadline.The 25-year-old has struggled with form and injury, starting just three league games this season, but he came off the bench against Leyton Orient on Saturday to play his first role in 2024.Club product #039; A former Academy season ticket holder, the 25-year-old is a fan favorite at Berkshire, making over 100 appearances for his boyhood club. 4,444 The summer signing of the former Scotland youth international caught the attention of the Royals.According to Jordan Cross of the Portsmouth News, Pompey is confident and#039; of sealing the versatile defender, but acknowledged that there is still a long way to go and#039; before anything is confirmed.Portsmouth are two points clear of second-placed Bolton Wanderers at the top of the league and are looking to return to the title after more than a decade in the lower leagues.The Royals have already lost defenders Nelson Abbey, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Tom Holmes in this window – although Holmes has returned on loan from Luton Town.Ruben Selles will travel to Fratton Park in Hampshire for the first time in nearly a decade in March..