READING FC are on the verge of completing two of the biggest transfer coups in the club's history.
Ex-Real Madrid star Royston Drenthe is poised to pen a three-year deal with the Royals having agreed personal terms.
And Reading boss Nigel Adkins could follow that up with a jaw-dropping swoop for �8 million-rated Celtic striker Gary Hooper.
The Chronicle understands Hooper met with Reading's representatives earlier this week with a view to making a big-money switch to Madejski Stadium.
The 25-year-old has been seeking a move south and looks set to link up with Adkins once again having played underneath him at Scunthorpe United.
If the Hooper deal goes through it would shatter Reading's �3 million transfer record for Nantes flop Emerse Fae in 2007.
Celtic have rejected an offer of around �4.5 million from Premier League Hull City, but Royals owner Anton Zingarevich is ready to splash the cash and secure the services of the talented forward who has plundered 63 goals in 95 league games for the Bhoys.
Dutch international Drenthe, meanwhile, could be set to undergo a medical at Madejski Stadium next week.
The 26-year-old, who spent the 2011/12 Premier League season on loan at Everton, is available on a free transfer having left FC Alania following the club's relegation from Russia's top division.
If the deals are rubber stamped it would take the number of Royals' summer signings to three following the capture of left-back Wayne Bridge on a free transfer following his release by Manchester City.
And Royals assistant manager Andy Crosby says all new players must fit in with the existing squad.
"We've spoken about players we are trying to bring in and develop over the summer," he said.
"It's important those players who do come into the group are first and foremost good people.
"The lads in the dressing room are a good group. They know how to get success in the Championship and whoever comes in now needs to compliment that."
Young Royals full-back Nick Arnold, 19, has joined Wycombe Wanderers on a season-long loan.
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