Reading will likely be deducted six points for past financial misdemeanours this week, the Reading Chronicle understands.

Rumours have been rife in recent months regarding a possible suspended points deduction hitting the club this season, with manager Paul Ince seemingly braced for the hit.

Despite expecting the deduction, there has not been any concrete news regarding when it will come into play.

The Reading Chronicle understands that it will most likely be this week, which will plunge the team into a relegation battle.

Sitting 17th and nine points clear of the drop, it will leave Ince's side 21st and just three points clear of the relegation zone with eight matches remaining.

Without a match for 10 days due to international fixtures, the Royals next take to the pitch on April 1 against Bristol City.

Speaking on the potential deduction after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Hull City, Ince said: "As far as I’m concerned I don’t know when it’s coming, or if it’s coming. There seems to be a lot of stuff in the press at the minute about other teams. The EFL seem to be on one at the moment, they’re hitting everyone. I’m sure something will be coming our way but for me I’m glad we didn’t lose the game. No manager likes going into an international break losing a game."