Reading are set to sign Southampton youth prodigy Dom Ballard on loan, the Reading Chronicle understands.
Still only 18, Ballard is a regular feature for the Saints' Under-23s side.
He netted back-to-back hattricks in a run of six goals in three matches for the youth side so far this season, as well as being nominated for the PL2 Player of the Year award last season with 13 goals in 16 matches.
This will see the teenager link up with Reading boss Ruben Selles, who gave him three first-team appearances last season as the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
As per @AlfieHouseEcho understand Dom Ballard is set to join #readingfc on loan, linking up with former coach Ruben Selles. One striker in, one out in quick succession with Carroll’s departure.
— James Earnshaw (@james_e1871) August 31, 2023
The Reading Chronicle understand that he will look to finalise the move today, with the deadline for loan moves 11pm tonight.
This will leave the club with three of five loan spots available, with Paul Mukariu having joined earlier in the month.
Andy Carroll departed the club yesterday, leaving Sam Smith and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan as the forward options.
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