The play-off final of 2016/17 will feel an awful long time ago for Reading fans now as they sink closer and closer to the third tier of football. 

The Royals narrowly avoided relegation last season, but things do not seem to have improved having picked up just 16 points from their opening 17 matches.

Despite not currently occupying a relegation spot, Paul Clement's side are only level on points with Hull City and Bolton Wanderers, who do.

The club have kept just one clean sheet all season, conceding 29 so far, so it is clear to see where the club's big problem lies.

Nottingham Forest were recently linked with experienced defender Angel Rangel, who has been absolutely crucial in QPR's sparkling run of form. But his contract runs out in mid-January.

He is surely exactly the sort of presence Clement could do with in his defence.

Here then, are TWO reasons why Reading must pip the Reds to his signature...

On paper, the Royals' defence is not bad at all.

But in reality, it has been atrocious. It is because they have conceded 29 goals in 17 matches that they are in the position they are. Their total of 24 goals scored is closer to top-half quality.

An experienced head like Rangel could make all the difference.

Having already helped turn one struggling team into play-off hopefuls, there is no reason why he cannot do it again with Reading.

Rangel could potentially solve a lot of problems in the Reading backline and bring some belief back to the Madejski.