Reading have submitted a bid for Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard, according to FLW sources.

Maynard has joined MK Dons on a one-year deal
The Royals have submitted a bid for Maynard

The 28-year-old striker has found himself on the periphery of the Cardiff City team since joining in 2012, and has only managed to amass 21 league appearances during his time there.

Maynard started his professional career at Arsenal before joining Crewe Alexandra in 1994 where he stayed until 2008.

The forward's most prolific spell was when he was at Bristol City from 2008 to 2012, he went on to score 45 goals in 124 appearances for the Robins.

He then joined West Ham United in 2012 where he made 14 appearances, scoring twice.

Maynard spent some time on loan at Wigan Athletic last season, and he made 16 appearances, scoring four goals.

The Royals are in need of a new striker as a result of Glenn Murray's loan at the club expiring, and it looks like Reading boss Steve Clarke is eyeing a move for Nicky Maynard.

Clarke, however, did admit that the Royals were in for a quiet January transfer window, telling Get Reading: "I’m not really expecting anything to move too quickly in January," said Clarke.

"I think it’s a window which always ends in a bit of a frenzy towards the end of the month.

"I think it even stretches into February this year which is great for you guys but horrible for me.

"I would rather it was all done and dusted."

"Obviously we’ll be working behind the scenes to see if we can improve the squad.

"If we can’t, then I’m happy with the squad we’ve got.

The Berkshire club currently sit in 17th place in the Sky Bet Championship, having accumulated 30 points from 25 league games.

Steve Clarke's side earned a solid point at home on Saturday to Aitor Karanka's high-flying Middlesbrough team, meaning the Royals are now unbeaten in three.