Reading FC: Ruben Selles' comments confirm need for strict stance on transfer activity - View | OneFootball

Ruben Selles' latest comments confirm that Reading cannot afford to let some of their star players to leave this summer.

Reading FC are currently in a state of limbo, with the Berkshire side unable to complete any signings until Dai Yongge sells the club.

Former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig has long been in negotiations about a takeover but nothing is finalised as yet.

Royals fans know all too well that takeover news is best approached with caution but they will be concerned with the start of the League One season fast approaching and the end of the window following a few weeks later.

If Ruben Selles' latest comments are anything to go by, Reading will have to be strict about any transfer outgoings in the rest of the window.

Ruben Selles' concerning comments

Selles worked wonders for Reading in the second half of last season, and he would have been hoping to add some new additions to that squad if possible.

Unfortunately, these off-field issues have made this hope impossible for the Reading boss, and his latest comments have proved pretty damning.

Speaking after their pre-season win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, Selles said this: "Realistically, we are in a situation where we cannot get any players.

"Not only because of the transfer embargo but because the EFL say until the takeover is happening, we cannot get any players in until the budget is confirmed.

"Myself, I don’t expect anything at all like I didn’t expect last season. I just try to get the very best out of the players available and try to get some of the young players with us to see which ones are ready to play for us and develop with us."

These remarks give an insight into the thinking of Selles, who evidently believes he will be left with the squad he currently has.

Reading's head coach's worries only highlight the necessity of taking a firm stance on retaining their top players, as they cannot afford to lose them before the season opener against Birmingham City on August 10th.

The likes of Harvey Knibbs, Femi Azeez, Sam Smith, and Lewis Wing all performed exceptionally well for the Royals last season, and will need to step up again for the new campaign to be a successful one.

Wing, in particular, was a standout with his 18 league goal contributions, which were vital to keeping Reading alive last season. His Championship pedigree was evident, and in his absence, they could be fighting for safety again.

A similar story occurred for Smith, whose 15 goals placed him as top league scorer at the club. He will be hoping to at least match that in the upcoming campaign and the Royals will know he is a player that will be difficult to replace.

In a normal situation, cashing in on any of your valuable assets would make sense, but, given the problems the Reading hierarchy face, they must strive to keep a hold of these individuals.

Moreover, with the takeover likely completed by January, they will then have the option to sell some of these players, who will still hold high value.

Selles' can continue to trust Reading's academy

Last season we saw Selles put a great deal of faith in Reading's youngsters, with the likes of Michael Craig, Tyler Bindon, and Azeez all getting a shot at proving themselves.

Therefore, as we head into the new campaign, it would be no surprise to see the Royals boss repeat this trick.

In pre-season, we have seen the likes of Abraham Kanu, Emmanuel Osho and Andre Garcia all impress, with Selles providing them with opportunities.

All more defensively-minded players, it is possible that they could be given a chance come the 10th of August, with the Berkshire side having a particularly poor record at the back last season.

As we inch closer to that transfer deadline, it will only shorten the time that Reading have to make new additions. So, if the takeover doesn't cross the line before the 31st of August, then they must ensure that they haven't sold any of their star players and they have a line of academy players ready to take to the pitch.