Fae made more than 100 appearances for Nantes

The Ivory Coast international, 23, midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the option of a fourth and will wear the number 20 shirt.

"Reading have been following me for a long time. I was interested as soon as I heard that they wanted me," said Fae.

Royals director of football Nick Hammond said: "We have tracked Emerse for a considerable period of time."

Emerse is a player we have been interested in for a long time Reading chairman John Madejski

Fae, whose fee could rise dependent on appearances, becomes Reading's second signing of the summer after Kalifa Cisse joined from Boavista.

And Hammond added: "We feel that the deal we have agreed with Nantes represents very good value, especially in the current market place.

"He loves to break forward and drive with the ball, and will offer something a little different to the other midfielders within our squad."

Chairman John Madejski added: "This is a very important signing. He joins us at a very exciting time as we prepare for our second season in the Premier League, and we are confident that he will prove to be a very good signing.

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"We have been focused and selective with our transfer activities this summer and Emerse is a player we have been interested in for a long time, so it is very rewarding that our patience has borne fruit."

Fae, who made more than 100 appearances for Nantes, is excited by his new challenge in the Premier League.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time and now that it's done I'm very happy," added Fae.

"Reading have been following me for a long time and I was interested as soon as I heard that they wanted me.

"I want to play here and win games in this magnificent stadium and I'm happy to work with Steve Coppell, he is a good manager."