Hayes & Yeading United have pulled off a real transfer coup by signing former Reading star James Harper from Basingstoke Town.

The former Arsenal trainee played more than 300 games over the course of a decade for the Royals, including two seasons in the top flight.

The 35 year can also name Sheffield United, Hull, Doncaster and Barnet amongst his former clubs, but drifted into non-league football with Basingstoke two years ago.

The capture of Harper was not the only piece of business done by Hayes & Yeading boss Garry Haylock on loans deadline day.

Staying put: James Hamon

He also extended keeper James Hamon's stay from Exeter City, and brought in Adetayo Osifuwa from Cray Wanderers and Hayden Smith from Enfield Town.

Midfielder Ross McKernan and keeper Hugo Sobte, from the club's U18s side, have been signed up on first team forms as well.

H&Y currently sit four places and six points off the drop zone in a National League South table which is propped up by Harper's former club, Basingstoke.

Following last weekend's win at Margate, they will be looking to bag the couple more needed to confirm safety when they visit Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday before 'hosting' landlords Maidenhead United on Monday.