READING FC are battling to sign Norwich City’s Nelson Oliveira and Fulham’s Sone Aluko before this week’s deadline.

But boss Jaap Stam might have to concede defeat in his attempt to land Preston’s Jordan Hugill after a bid reported to be worth a club-record £8m was turned down.

Stam confirmed Royals are chasing striker 26-year-old Oliveira and exciting forward Aluko, 28, after Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Birmingham City.

Reading Chronicle:

Fulham's Sone Aluko is a target for Jaap Stam. Pic: Simon Dack.

“We’re always looking for players who can make us better,” declared the Dutchman, having made Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards his sixth summer signing earlier in the day.

“Oliveira is a great striker - he can be a big asset for us. And it’s the same for Aluko.

“He is the type of player I think can make the squad better and give us something different. But it’s not up to me.”

Stam has also been heavily linked with 25-year-old striker Hugill, who scored for Preston in their recent 1-0 home win against Royals.

Reading now have until Thursday’s 11pm deadline to push through any deals, though Stam was keen to play down his chances of securing Hugill.

“We were interested in him, but from what I have heard he is not going away or they won't let him go," he explained.

“I don't know how much we offered so I can't talk about money.”