2 bargain free transfers Reading FC could consider ft Tyreece John-Jules | OneFootball

There are several areas that the Royals need to address in the coming weeks - and have picked out two free agents who could benefit the club.

Reading FC weren't able to make a productive start to the summer transfer window, with their ownership situation causing problems.

The Royals were handed a lifeline by the extension options they had on some of their first-teamer's contracts, something that allowed them to retain key players, including Femi Azeez.

However, with their former loanees, Matty Carson, Nesta Guinness-Walker, Sam Hutchinson and Clinton Mola all leaving during the summer, there's clearly work to be done to address the club's squad depth issues.

Thankfully for them, some of their academy players have been able to step up to the plate and impress during pre-season, with Abraham Kanu establishing himself as a potential future star.

However, their academy alone won't be enough to provide the depth and quality that manager Ruben Selles needs to guide his side to a positive finish at the end of this season.

Restricted to using the free-agent and loan markets due to their embargo, Brian Carey and other key recruitment figures at the Select Car Leasing Stadium will need to be creative to bring in the best possible players.

And below, we have taken a look at two free transfers that the Royals could look to strike in the coming weeks.

Tyreece John-Jules

Tyreece John-Jules was released by Arsenal this summer and that isn't a major surprise, with the striker failing to do enough to force himself into the first team at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite failing to make a single competitive senior appearance for the Gunners, the forward has managed to secure some game time out on loan in the EFL at numerous clubs, including Ipswich Town.

He spent last season at Derby County, enduring an injury-hit campaign and only scoring two goals in 14 appearances.

However, John-Jules is only 23 at this point and made a real impact for the Gunners' youth team during his time in the English capital, showcasing how much potential he has.

A return to the English third tier feels like the right move for the forward at this stage - and he could be a great striker option to have at the SCL Stadium.

Sam Smith may be a prolific goalscorer and Jayden Wareham has emerged as a first-team option, but the former needs more competition for a starting spot and the latter needs time to develop.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan is another potential option, but he has impressed out wide and will be required there for now.

John-Jules may not start regularly in Berkshire at first, but under Selles, he knows that he could develop into a major asset in the third tier.

George Cox

Left-back George Cox has been linked with a move to the EFL before - and could have joined Hull City last summer.

However, a move failed to materialise in the end and the player moved to Volendam, following a successful spell with Fortuna Sittard.

Having Dutch top-tier experience under his belt, Cox may feel as though he deserves a move to the Championship, but a move is yet to materialise after having his contract at Volendam terminated.

During his career, the Englishman has shown that he can be an asset in both the attacking and defensive thirds and the Royals should be looking to make an offer to him.

Considering he doesn't have a club yet, the potential opportunity to play regularly at an EFL club may be one he welcomes, and it wouldn't be a shock if he's tempted to sign a one-year deal before he potentially plays at a higher level.

The Royals have a lack of depth at left-back right now and with centre-back Jeriel Dorsett starting there at the moment, Cox would be a valuable option to have as an orthodox option in this area, with Carson, Guinness-Walker and Mola all departing this summer.