The January transfer window has opened, the month that everyone working inside football loathes, but supporters up and down the country love as the rumour mill starts to spin.
Reading boss Ruben Selles has warned fans that this month may not be as active as some may have hoped, but the club remain under a transfer embargo until 2025 and the Spaniard believes it is the wrong time to be adding more 'inexperience' into his side.
RS: "We cannot make any transfer that is not a free agent or a loan, and I don’t think it is the moment for us to get some loans and some inexperienced players, we already had that period at the beginning of the season with our own players." #readingfc https://t.co/Nl3nTi22JL
— James Earnshaw (@james_e1871) January 1, 2024
I have taken a look at three experienced (30+) defenders the Royals could look at, with only bottom club Fleetwood Town conceding more than the 41 Reading have so far this season.
READ MORE: Reading FC boss issues January transfer window status
Jonas Knudsen
A name that many will have heard of, Knudsen is best known for a four-year stint at Ipswich Town from 2015-2019, making over 150 appearances for the Tractor Boys.
The Dane started his career with Esbjerg fB and returned to Scandinavia five years ago, joining 23-time Swedish champions Malmo.
Struggling to regain his place in the team after an ACL injury, the club released the full-back in 2023.
Left-back Achraf Lazaar is on trial with Reading after recently leaving Watford. [@EddieRFC7] #readingfc pic.twitter.com/gNP0U5qNxr
— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) July 13, 2021
Achraf Lazar
Another full-back, Lazar made his name in Italy with Palermo before joining Newcastle United in 2016.
Making just 10 appearances in three years, he returned to Italy but had two short spells in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday and Watford.
Without a club this season, the 31-year-old had been on trial with Reading in the summer of 2021 but was not offered a deal. Perhaps a return for the Moroccan international could provide depth in a difficult position for the Royals?
Liam Moore
Slightly left-field, it is likely that too much water has passed under the bridge for the former captain to return to Reading after less than six months.
Making over 250 appearances for the Royals in seven years with the club, his time was marred with controversy and the skipper walked away following relegation after suffering another injury setback.
Still working his way back to full fitness, the 30-year-old is more than capable at League One level. Perhaps a return, and a chance to prove himself again after multiple long-term lay-offs, could suit both parties?
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