Reading have been in excellent form this season under Jaap Stam and currently sit third in the Championship standings, putting the Royals within touching distance of an automatic promotion spot and a return to the Premier League.

Sat five-points behind second-placed Brighton and six behind leaders Newcastle United, Reading have a lot to fight for in the second-half of the season but will be wary of the intense competition they face from rival clubs in the Championship.

Clubs all the way down to Aston Villa in 15th have ambitions of promotion and aren't too far behind the leading pack, so a poor run of form or a sequence of blistering performances from sides situated lower in the division can swiftly change the outcome of the season.

Therefore, Reading need all the help they can get in January and these three ambitious signings will certainly help Jaap Stam and his quest for promotion to the Premier League.

Scott Hogan

The Brentford forward currently sits second in the Championship scoring charts, with an impressive tally of 11 goals in 20 appearances.

Ahead of the January window, a fair amount of sides are rumoured to hold interest but Reading should ensure they jump to the front of the queue.

With his scoring capabilities, Reading could surge into the title race and could establish themselves as favourites for automatic promotion.

Still only aged 24, he has years ahead of him and would certainly aid Reading in their quest to be top-flight regulars.

Jordan Rhodes

An additional striker for Reading to target in January, Jordan Rhodes hasn't quite had things his own way in the Premier League with Middlesbrough as the signing of Alvaro Negredo has left the 26-year-old struggling for game time.

Whilst lower-tier Premier League sides may be interested, Rhodes could be swayed with a return to the Championship, where he was previously top-dog, to establish himself as a key-player for a promotion chasing side and then look to excel with the club in the Premier League- and that club could be Reading.

Marc Pugh

The 29-year-old Bournemouth winger has been limited to just 38 minutes of action with the Cherries this season and it seems his time with the Premier League side his up.

Stating himself he just wants to play regular football, Reading could give him that chance.

Vastly experienced and well accustomed to fighting for promotion, having been part of Bournemouth's squad throughout their astonishing rise throughout the past six years, Pugh's impact at Reading could be the catalyst Jaap Stam's side is looking for.