Reading FC Transfer Deadline Day Preview January 2017

Money is tight at the club at the moment, but that might not stop Reading from bringing in another player or two before Tuesday's transfer deadline. But where might movement into the squad take place?

Goalkeepers

Reading are well-stocked here, with an established first choice in Ali Al-Habsi and some decent back-up options. Chief among them is forgotten man Anssi Jaakkola who, having arrived from Ajax Cape Town in the summer, has only had a handful of first team opportunities. Regardless, expect the experienced shot-stopper to slot straight in if Al-Habsi picks up an injury.

Further down the pecking order, Jonathan Bond is back from a loan spell at Gillingham, with Stuart Moore also an option.

Defence

The backline has been constantly hit by injuries and suspensions this season, with Reading sometimes struggling to cope with absences in this department. Tiago Ilori (eventually) arrived from Liverpool recently and promptly picked up an injury against Fulham, with Joey Van den Berg doing similar against Cardiff.

On the whole, the defence isn't too bad as far as options go but, without Ilori and Van den Berg, we can't afford to lose anyone else. With that in mind, don't rule out a loan move for short term defensive cover.

Midfield

Arguably Reading's best stocked position, Jaap Stam is unlikely to want another option here. George Evans, previously is a first-team regular, is being kept out by the confident displays of of Danny Williams, Liam Kelly and John Swift. Joey Van den Berg, when back from injury, can be counted on too.

Meanwhile, Stephen Quinn is a long-term absentee, Danzell Gravenberch can slot into the midfield if he ever plays, and there are intriguing rumours that Reading have a player called 'Sandro Wieser', although that's yet to be confirmed.

Wingers

Adrian Popa signed on the dotted line today, having confirmed on Friday that he was due to swap Steaua Bucharest for Reading. He'll be an important addition to a part of the squad that doesn't have strength in depth.

Garath McCleary and Roy Beerens are regular starters, with Callum Harriott a lively introduction off the bench before he did his hamstring when Reading faced Fogham Fulham at the end of December. Nonetheless, we should have enough wingers to pick from without needing another signing.

Forwards

'Jaap Stam wants a striker' is one of the worst kept secrets in the Championship right now. The manager has said on various occasions that he wants more competition for Yann Kermorgant, but hasn't been able to find that just yet. If anything is likely to happen before the window slams shut, it's the arrival of a striker.

Should that forward not be forthcoming, Stam can call on Joseph Mendes as a similar replacement for Yann Kermorgant, although the summer arrival is yet to open his account for the Royals. Yakou Meite is highly rated but rarely starts, and Deniss Rakels will eventually return from an injury that's kept him out of the side since August.

Adham El Idrissi should arrive on a free from Ajax, but Stam has said the youngster will train with the under-23s, not the senior squad.

Plus, if the gaffer gives it the go-ahead, Dominic Samuel might head out on loan to League One. The academy graduate has been heavily linked with a few sides chasing promotion out of that division, including Phil Parkinson's Bolton Wanderers.