Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic has refused to rule out more incoming business over the final days of the transfer window but admitted any deal would likely be “last-minute”.

The Royals brought in Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein on loan this week and while their business has been heavily restricted due to the sanctions imposed by the EFL, Paunovic indicated that there could still be another playing coming in before the end of the month.

“It’s possible, it’s possible,” the manager said. “We are working on some issues we have. Not only on the issues but the depth in our defence. 

“We learnt lessons in the past, unfortunately we couldn’t apply those lessons because of the limitations we’ve had in signing players.

Reading Chronicle: Veljko Paunovic watches on as his side are beaten by Huddersfield. Image by: JasonPIXVeljko Paunovic watches on as his side are beaten by Huddersfield. Image by: JasonPIX

"But what I’m trying to say is that in case somebody goes down, we need to have more than anything defenders so we don’t bleed at the back and concede. Or so that we don’t have to rotate players around the field and that over the long term affects their performances and their confidence. 

“So we are working to bring someone, I believe it’s going to be last-minute given our situation because we have to wait for the people to explore the market. And then finally come back to us if the offer is still on the table.”

It is believed that the position Reading are targeting is a central defender but that it is by no means a guarantee the deal will get done before the transfer deadline.

In addition, Paunovic explained that while there has been some “contact” from other clubs looking into signing his players, there are currently no offers on the table for Reading to consider.

“(There has been) some contact I will say, some people who are looking for information as to who will be available,” Paunovic said. “But we can’t afford to lose somebody without having a replacement and without improving our team.

"We don’t have any offers on the table right now. We will wait and see. I believe there are a lot of teams who will also have to wait until the last minute.”

Speaking on the subject of dethroned captain Liam Moore who the club announced was searching for a move away from the SCL, Paunovic remained coy.

“He is under contract and he is with Jamaica right now,” he said. “He’s under contract and he still belongs to this club.”

Reading Chronicle: Karl Hein became Reading's first signing of the January window. Image by: JasonPIXKarl Hein became Reading's first signing of the January window. Image by: JasonPIX

Another player who has been the subject of intense scrutiny this month is midfielder John Swift with Premier League clubs including Leeds United and West Ham reportedly interested. 

While Paunovic confirmed the club wants to keep Swift, their top scorer and creator, he couldn’t guarantee that the former Chelsea academy graduate will still be at the club come February.

“He is under contract and he is our player,” Paunovic said. “We are in the transfer market, it’s open, so if an offer comes it will always be considered. We don’t want to lose him but this is also football and the club is in the situation that is - it has to consider everything.”

There is certainly considerable interest in Swift from both Championship and Premier League clubs but the Chronicle understands that it’s unlikely any firm offer will arrive this month with the player himself hoping to stay and see out his contract which expires in the summer.