Nice are close to agreeing a loan move for Reading midfielder Emerse Fae.

Reading have been braced for Fae's exit since suffering Premier League relegation last season and it appears Ligue 1 outfit Nice will be the Ivory Coast international's next destination.

Fae is currently away with his country as they participate in 2010 World Cup qualifiers, however the move - which would also include an option to make the deal permanent - is all but agreed.

Reading director of football Nick Hammond told Reading's official website: "There are only a couple of things that need finalising at this stage.

"I can't foresee any problems, so the deal should be done sooner rather then later."