Luton have signed have signed Tom Holmes from Reading for an undisclosed fee and loaned the centre half, who boss Rob Edwards has labelled a “proper defender”, back to the League One Berkshire club for the remainder of the season.
The Hatters have had the 23-year-old on their radar since they were in the Championship, where he made 112 of his 129 appearances for the club where he graduated through the academy.
Holmes, who had been heavily linked with Luton, becomes Town’s first season on the January transfer window.
Manager Edwards said: “Tom’s a good young player who is very experienced already, even though he’s fairly young.
“We have been aware of him for quite a long time and we spoke in the summer, so Tom is one that we’ve been tracking for a while.
“He’s a proper defender, but is someone who can take the ball as well and we think he’s got a high ceiling for someone who is still young and still developing.
“We are really looking forward to working with him and we welcome him to the club, but we feel the right thing for him is to stay at Reading on loan for the rest of the season and continue to help there.
“Getting that game time there this season is still the right thing in his development, but he’s someone we see as having a long-term future at the club.”
On his arrival at Kenilworth Road, Holmes said: “I’m very grateful for Luton’s continued interest in me, I know I’ve been on their radar for a while now, so it’s nice it’s come to fruition; I’ve spoken to the manager and I’m excited to work together.
“My aim is to come back and hit the ground running and really impress. That’s why going back will be a win-win for myself, Luton and Reading.
“It’s quite a nice way for me to end my time there and do something productive. I’m excited for that opportunity and I’m relishing the challenge. It’s been tough this season with a lot going on off the pitch but hopefully it will be resolved sooner rather than later and we can continue with improved performances of late.”
