Reading FC eyeing loan move for Celtic player | OneFootball

Matthew Anderson has become a loan target for the Royals, who are in desperate need of signings before the summer window closes.

Reading are interested in a potential loan deal for Celtic left-back Matthew Anderson.

This is according to Football Scotland, who believe the defender is available to be taken on a temporary spell for the 2024/25 campaign, as he looks to get more first-team football under his belt.

The Royals are in desperate need of addressing several positions during the summer transfer window, having failed to make a single signing during this window so far.

This is due to their ownership situation, but with a takeover potentially on the horizon at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, they could have the opportunity to strengthen the positions that they need to.

The left-back department needs looking at, as well as the centre-back area, with the departures of Nelson Abbey, Tom Holmes, Tom McIntyre and Zane Monlouis this calendar year leaving them with fewer options in this area.

They may also be keen to bring in another attacking midfield option to compete for a spot in that area, with Harvey Knibbs currently out of action.

However, their wing and striker areas may be higher up on Ruben Selles' side's list of priorities for the remainder of the window, with the Berkshire side in need of more quality in the final third.

But by the time a takeover is potentially announced, even if it happens to be today, the club will only have a very limited amount of time to get deals over the line with the transfer window closing on August 30th.

Another factor that will make things for the Royals is the transfer embargo, which restricts them to pursuing free agents and loanees.

Many of their free agent targets are likely to have been snapped up by now - but they could potentially benefit from adding more quality to their squad via the loan market.

Reading FC interested in Matthew Anderson

Despite securing four points from six against Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic this term, the Royals are clearly in need of more depth.

Football Scotland have reported that the Bhoys' young defender Anderson is on Selles' side's radar at this stage.

Anderson is a 20-year-old left-back who is yet to make his debut for his side's senior team, but has played for their B side and spent last season on loan at Admira Wacker, who compete in the second tier of Austrian football.

The Royals are currently lacking left-back options, with 16-year-old Andre Garcia currently Jeriel Dorsett's backup option.

Garcia isn't a natural left-back and neither is Dorsett, but the latter has been exceptional during the early stages of the campaign following his recovery from an injury.

Matthew Anderson could be a good option for Reading FC

Dorsett (pictured above) has been an excellent option for the Royals in the past 12 months or so.

Managing to adapt to the left-back spot well, he has become better and better in this area.

Also an academy graduate, the fans have really warmed to him and although he isn't always mentioned, supporters clearly appreciate him at the SCL Stadium.

Garcia, meanwhile, may have done well during the early stages of the season, but another left-back is probably needed before the window closes.

Anderson, who can clearly offer plenty going forward, could be a shrewd addition in Berkshire if he comes in.