Reading have recruited impressively in the transfer window so far. Reports are now circulating that the club are set to finalise a deal for their third permanent signing following deals for Paudie O’Connor and Jack Stevens.
The Royals have lost the likes of Amadou Mbengue and Jayden Wareham; however, their new arrivals into the squad indicate the team may be ready to compete for promotion in League One this coming season.
Reading Add Quality to Squad Ahead of League One Promotion Push
The signing of Paudie O’Connor will be difficult to top, as the former Lincoln City defender has been one of the best in his position over the past three campaigns. The Irish centre-back has made 140 appearances in the third tier and contributed 16 goal involvements.
27-year-old goalkeeper Jack Stevens is an experienced operator at League One level. The battle for the number one jersey with Joel Pereira will be an intriguing watch. 29-year-old Pereira ranked in the top three of all goalkeepers in the third tier for saves per game, and Reading appear adequately stocked in this area for the new campaign.
Matty Jacob has joined on loan from Hull City and is one of three loanees to have arrived this summer. Finley Burns and Mark O’Mahony are the other additions from Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion, respectively.
Reading have now targeted another Premier League club for their next summer signing.
Nottingham Forest Player Closes on Permanent League One Switch
Josh Bowler spent last season on loan at Preston North End and then Luton Town. He made 21 appearances in total but failed to live up to his previous displays while on loan with Cardiff City and Blackpool. It appears he may be set for a fresh start, as Nathan Hassett is reporting that a deal is close for the player to join Reading.
The 26-year-old is currently contracted to Nottingham Forest but requires regular football and has a wealth of experience in the Championship, playing over 150 times in the second tier.
If he can stay fit and become a fixture in the Reading team, he should be seen as an excellent addition for a team that appears capable of being in the promotion picture.
Reading start the League One campaign with a trip to Lincoln City on the 2nd of August.