What a season it's been for Reading who have soared as high as third under the stewardship of Jaap Stam, who took the reigns of the club during the summer.

The Royals were expected to be nowhere near any sort of promotion race this year, but somehow Stam has managed to transform their prospects seeing them soar to fourth place with a game in hand.

The Championship sees a surprising pick of sides vying for a place in the Premier League next season, with Reading joining the likes of Huddersfield and Leeds as shock contenders for promotion this year.

The Royals have already strengthened this month with the signing of Tiago Ilori from Liverpool, who strengthens the back line and allows young Jake Cooper to be moved out on loan to Millwall.

It could see Reading move to a back three more regularly, which has been used rather irregularly at points this year.

Here are TWO key transfers Reading should add before the end of the transfer window.....

 

Lewis Grabban

Lewis Grabban is definitely on the fringes with Bournemouth this season a year after leaving Norwich to reunite with Eddie Howe on the coast and help them to safety in the top flight.

He did that but with only 58 minutes of football this year a move away looks likely, with QPR supposedly monitoring the centre forward's situation.

He's scored 34 goals in his last two seasons in the Championship with both Norwich and Bournemouth, and with Reading in need of a striker, Grabban would be a fine signing.

Maxime Colin

Reading are in need of a new right back after some disappointing performances from Chris Gunter recently, that have lead to questions from a large number of fans as to whether they need a new right back.

Given Brentford's disappointing season this year, a few of their outstanding players could be up for grabs, like Scott Hogan for West Ham or Maxime Colin for Reading.

Colin has been one of the better right backs in the division this year and Reading should take advantage of their position and snap him up while they come.

Reading fans... What do you think of these players? Do you need them? Where do you need to strengthen this month? Let us know in the comments below!