Defender Ian Harte has joined Reading following a transfer deadline day swoop by Royals manager Brian McDermott.

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Championship mid-table side, for an undisclosed fee, that will keep him in Berkshire until June 2012.

Managing director John Nixon explained: "There is always a danger when you are playing well that clubs from a higher level will come to take a look at why that might be the case.

"We had been talking to Ian about him staying with us for at least another season, but there was always an unwritten agreement that if a club from a higher level made any kind of enquiry then we would let them talk to him.

"That's what happened yesterday when Reading made an approach, and the chance for the player to end his career at that level appears to be an attractive opportunity for him.

"We wanted him to stay, that goes without saying, but we have had to reluctantly agree to let him go so that he can pursue his desire to end his career at that higher level.

"Ian has been a great player to have around this club and we all wish him the very best of luck."

The former-Republic of Ireland star put pen-to-paper with Carlisle on a two-year deal in June 2009 following a successful spell with the club toward the end of the 2008/09 season, and was set to sign an extension to that contract this week.

He started his career at Leeds and made over 275 appearances during his time at Elland Road.

He also had spells with Levante and Sunderland and made over 60 outings for the Republic of Ireland between 1996 and 2007.