Speculation linking Reading's Tiago Ilori with a move to Sporting Lisbon doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon, but talks have stalled recently according to The Record. 

The Portuguese media outlet claim that Reading have rejected a number of bids for the defender, and are reluctant to let him leave this season.

But Anthony Smith from the Reading Chronicle revealed that Ilori isn't expected to be involved for their game against Bolton due to an injury which has left Royals supporters questioning his future at the club.

Jose Gomes also revealed to the Reading Chronicle that they have a medical in place for a new signing, which could well be Ilori's replacement, although there hasn't been any names rumoured to be arriving at the Madejski Stadium.

One man who could be of interest to Reading as Ilori's potential replacement, is Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu, who has struggled for game time this season.

We look at the reasons why Reading should be targeting the Chelsea outcast this month.

See what those reasons are, below....

Ampadu has a point to prove in first-team football 

The Chelsea youngster has made just three appearances in total for the Blues this season and is evidently down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

But Ampadu has only been out on loan once in his career, when he joined Exeter earlier in his career.

The defender has a point to prove in the Championship, and could be a useful addition to a Reading side that would certainly give him regular first-team football.

He is one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League

There is no doubting that Ampadu is one of the best young talents to breakthrough in recent seasons.

But his development will be affected if he is just sat warming a place on the substitutes bench for the remainder of this year's campaign.

A move to Reading would be the perfect platform for the Welsh international to develop as a player in the senior game.