READING FC are being linked with Genoa forward David Milinkovic.

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan with Heart of Midlothian.

But unconfirmed reports in the Italian media suggest he has failed to reach an agreement with the Scottish Premiership league side over a possible return this summer.

It is now being said Reading may look to capitalise on Hearts’ misfortune by launching a bid themselves, though Championship rivals Ipswich Town are also said to be showing interest in the Frenchman.

Milinkovic launched his senior career in Serbia with Red Star Belgrade and then FK Rad, who loaned him out to a number of clubs.

A move to Italy followed and, after a brief spell with AS Roma, he joined Serie B outfits Ternana Calcio and Salernitana before signing for Genoa in 2016.

He continued to struggle for regular games and was loaned to Virtus Lanciano, Messina and then Foggia before sealing a loan switch to Hearts in summer 2017.

Milinkovic, who can play up front or on the wing, scored six goals and claimed two assists in 24 league games for Hearts last season.

But with a return to Tynecastle now looking unlikely, Royals boss Paul Clement could try and lure him to Madejski Stadium instead.

Clement is keen to bolster his strikeforce and has also been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Barrie McKay.

Reading Chronicle:

Barrie McKay celebrates a goal for Nottingham Forest. Picture: Getty Images.

The 23-year-old former Rangers forward is expected to leave the City Ground this summer.

Reading have already lost one striker since the end of last season following the departure of Joseph Mendes after his contract expired.

Former Stoke City and Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is another target of Clement’s.

The 31-year-old has been released by the Potters after their relegation from the Premier League and is available on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Reading’s hopes to re-signing Tommy Elphick on a permanent deal from Aston Villa appear to have hit a snag.

The Chronicle understands John Terry’s departure from Villa has left the door open for Elphick to fight for his place in the first-team.

Boss Steve Bruce could now see Elphick as a viable option next season as the club look to save £40million to remain within tight Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Elphick made only four appearances for Reading in a four-month loan spell after sustaining a serious knee injury on his first start, but impressed in a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City on the final day which ended Royals’ relegation worries.