Hendrie earned a full senior cap for England under Glenn Hoddle

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is training with Reading, with a view to earning a permanent move to the Madejski Stadium.

Hendrie, 33, is a free agent following the end of his deal at Derby, but he was in talks with SPL side Aberdeen.

Royals manager Brian McDermott told BBC Berkshire: "Hendrie is training with the players this week and next week.

"He is keen to come and will be a good signing for us so we are hoping to give him an opportunity to play for us."

Hendrie started his career at Villa and scored 27 goals in 251 Premier League appearances.

606: DEBATE If Hendrie signs he'll be not much more than a cheap squad player. Cover, which is something we need. Mouldy Royal

He has also spent time on loan at Stoke, Leicester City, Blackpool and Brighton, as well as longer spells at Sheffield United and Derby.

McDermott feels Hendrie can fill the goal-scoring void left by Gylfi Sigurdsson who has joined Hoffenheim.

"Hendrie's best position is just off the striker. He's scored a lot of goals in his younger days for Aston Villa there," he said.

"He's a clever player with real ability - he is very fit and wants to be constantly involved in the game and will improve us as a team."

McDermott added that Hendrie has received a glowing reference from other Reading players.

"Brian Howard knows him really well, Andy Griffin knows him well and Ian Harte knows him well. They have all spoken really highly of him and hold him in very high regard.

"So I believe it'll be good to have him with us but we'll see him in training and go from there."

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