Reading FC eye moves for ex-Norwich City player and Southampton man | OneFootball

Reading's summer transfer business is far from done.

Reading have striker and centre-back targets in their sights but face competition for the signings on both fronts.

The first proper match of the Rob Couhig era didn't go swimmingly, with a 2-0 loss to Lincoln City on the opening day of the season, and things won't get much easier for Noel Hunt's side as they are now preparing to face promotion favourites Huddersfield Town in their home curtain-raiser.

Reading have had a pretty strong summer window so far, especially compared to the ones of years past with Dai Yongge at the helm of the club. They've been able to spend fees on new signings, but the Royals have made sure to utilise the loan and free agency market too.

There's less than four weeks left for Hunt to improve his squad, and he is looking to tap into those non-transfer fee realms again to add more layers to his playing options.

Reading considering moves for two EFL-experienced youngsters

Central defender Jonathan Tomkinson remains a target for Reading, as has been reported by The Athletic's Larry Henry Jr. The American free agent has been without a club since he was released by Norwich City earlier in the summer.

Portsmouth, Stockport County and Rotherham United were in the race for the 23-year-old back in June, as per Henry Jr, alongside the Royals, who still remain keen on bringing the defender in. New competition for his signature has arisen from overseas, though, with an unnamed Belgian club said to also like the look of the ex-Canary.

Another goalscoring option in the form of Southampton youngster Dom Ballard is also reported to be on Reading's radar. The 20-year-old striker spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. According to Reading Today, the Royals are considering a repeat of this move.

Again, Hunt's path to Ballard is not entirely clear as other third tier sides are interested in him. He made temporary moves to Blackpool and Cambridge United last season - two of Reading's 24/25 competitors.

Both players would bring EFL experience to Berkshire, but neither have had any standout spells away from their current or former parent clubs, which may concern some supporters.

Reading could certainly do with haveing more options in these positions. Summer signing Paudie O'Connor's pre-season injury meant he missed the Lincoln defeat and is questionable to return against Lee Grant's Huddersfield on Saturday.

Mark O'Mahony started up front for the Royals against the Imps. Another young loanee with limited experience in the EFL, having someone to compete with him for the starting job is something that Hunt and his recruitment team must be targeting ahead of the new season.