Reading boss Ruben Selles is 'looking forward' to having young forward Jayden Wareham at his disposal as contract talks continue.

The 20-year-old was released by Chelsea over the summer but has spent pre-season on trial with the Royals, featuring in a friendly against Sutton United.

Yet to appear for the first team, Wareham has already scored four goals in three matches for Noel Hunt's Under-21s side for the in-form PL2 leaders.

Lacking firepower, with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan the only recognised forward to get off the mark this season.

When quizzed on the Ascot-born forward following Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Exeter City, Selles hinted that a deal is in the works.

"I didn’t speak to Mark [Bowen] today about it but Jayden has been also working with us," he said. "I think he is a very talented player, and we are looking forward to having him, if that is the case."

The future of former England forward Andy Carroll remains uncertain, with the 34-year-old yet to feature since a 1-0 defeat to Port Vale at the start of August.

Sam Smith remains injured and is yet to have made his full debut since his summer return.