League One club Reading is expected to begin its January transfer activity with the imminent loan signing of Preston North End striker Will Keane.
The 33-year-old has faced a challenging season, with a calf injury restricting him to only two appearances in all competitions this term.
According to Pete O’Rourke, Keane now has the opportunity to salvage his difficult season with a spell in Berkshire, in a loan deal that could harvest success for both parties.
The Republic of Ireland international boasts significant EFL experience, with over 270 appearances in the Championship and League One.
Reading Keen To Capitalise On Upturn In Form
An impressive run of form, which has seen the Royals take 13 points from their last five third-tier matches, has seen them surge into play-off contention.
Leam Richardson is believed to desire another centre forward signing this month, and the 46-year-old could be about to get his wish in the shape of Keane.
The pair have previously worked closely together, when Keane played a vital role in Wigan Athletic’s promotion campaign in 2022 under the guidance of Richardson.
Recent reports from the Reading Chronicle have seen the Berkshire club linked with in-demand Ross County striker Ronan Hale, and had previously been linked to Victor Adeboyejo prior to his move to Mansfield Town.
With a fee reportedly agreed with Swansea City for the arrival of Ricardo Santos to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading seems determined to continue its current momentum.
New Lease Of Life Imminent For Will Keane
Even in his toughest of seasons, Will Keane has demonstrated his undoubted quality, notably scoring a crucial equalising goal off the bench against Norwich City back in December.
Despite limited playing time and the expected lack of match sharpness, Keane drew upon his extensive experience to make a decisive impact for his team, qualities that could prove vital in Reading’s push for a playoff spot.
The potential partnership between Keane and Jack Marriott offers Reading supporters a reason for excitement and optimism. Up until now, the workload has been tough on Marriott, especially with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan regularly providing a reliable option on the left wing.
The Stockport-born frontman has already netted 39 goals in 99 League One appearances throughout his career, explaining why his former boss is so keen to reunite with him.
From a Preston North End perspective, Paul Heckingbottom will be hoping Keane can prove his fitness over the coming months with regular game time in the third tier. However, with his contract in Lancashire set to expire in the summer, fans may well have seen the last of Keane in their colours at Deepdale.
If he can rediscover the kind of form that saw him score 26 goals to win the League One golden boot in the 2021/22 campaign, the deal could prove the difference between a play-off berth being secured or another season in League One for the Royals.