RYAN East has signed for Bradford City after his release by Swindon Town.

The midfielder is the Bantams' fifth signing of an increasingly hectic summer.

The 23-year-old has been snapped up by Mark Hughes after a season at the County Ground.

East, who has joined Bradford on an initial two-year deal, made 23 appearances for Ben Garner’s side in 2021/22.

He signed as a free agent last summer after his time at Reading - where he came through the youth ranks - ended.

After signing for Bradford, East said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here. It is a massive club with a proud history and I cannot wait to get going.

“When I met the manager, he sold it to me straight away. He wants to play a style of football that suits me. I like to have the ball on the floor and move it around.

“I think my time at Swindon sets me up well to play here. We did well last year, getting in the play-offs, and I want to go one better than that. The ambition of everyone at the club is clear.

“As a player, you do not want to go somewhere and be happy to sit mid-table. You want to be winning things, and I cannot wait to start playing in front of the fans.”

Swindon Advertiser: Ryan East spent 11 years with Reading before joining Swindon last yearRyan East spent 11 years with Reading before joining Swindon last year

Joining Reading at the age of nine, he became the club’s 50th academy graduate when making his first-team debut against Leeds in the Championship in March 2019.

Bradford boss Hughes said: “Ryan is a player we are very excited about. We are really pleased to be able to bring to the club.

“His intelligence - both in and out of possession - and reading of the game shows maturity beyond his years.

“He has the ability to dictate play, and fits in well with the brand of football we want to implement.

“At 23, he is still young and at a great age to develop, and we have been impressed by what we have seen of him so far in his career.

“We look forward to seeing him in action and are sure he is excited to show everyone at Bradford City what he can do.”