Reading boss Paul Ince has confirmed that although the club are at their maximum squad limit of 25 players, they are still looking at options for the upcoming January transfer window.
Still limited to free agents and loan deals, here are three free transfers available to the Royals.
Michael Hector
A target over the summer, the Reading academy graduate spent a spell training with the club a matter of months ago with the hope of earning a contract.
Talk going cold at Bearwood, Hector moved on and spent a period with Luton Town, although again little has been heard since November.
A centre-back with hundres of games under his belt, the defender would face stiff competition within the Royals rank.
However, as shown during his previous spell, the 30-year-old could do a more than adequate job in holding midfield where required.
With the likes of Scott Dann, Liam Moore, Naby Sarr and Amadou Mbengue all with question marks, be it fitness or contract talks, Hector would be a good fit back 'home.'
Danny Drinkwater
Another figure well-known to Reading fans, the former Premier League winner spent the season on loan in Berkshire last time out.
A regular under Veljko Paunovic and Ince, the England international is now a free agent after leaving Chelsea.
A steadying presence in midfield, his experience is unquestionable, and he was a popular face around Bearwood.
Even going to meet his former teammates while on pre-season at St George's Park, it is clear that there is a bond between the group.
With Jeff Hendrick, Mamadou Loum and Tyrese Fornah the only midfield options- and all on temporary deals- perhaps 'Drinks' could make a return?
Salomon Rondon
A bit more of a wild stab, the Venezuela icon is a free agent after mutually terminating his deal with Everton.
33 and no doubt on a decent wage, it would be like likely than the others, but possibly not out of the question.
A solid target man for clubs such as Newcastle, West Brom and Malaga, he would be the perfect replacement if talks to keep Andy Carroll stall.
Similar to the Geordie, his goal stats are not going to set the world alight, but he would offer something different to the likes of Lucas Joao, Yakou Meite and Shane Long.
Wages would be the stumbling block, but in an ideal world he could fit in quite nicely.
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