As the new league season approaches, Reading are currently targeting further signings as they look to bolster their squad in time for the first game against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Royals have one more pre-season game to go before this first league match and will need to make a quick start in the league if they are to improve on their league position of 20th last season. A clinical striker could help the Royals in their pursuit of a respectable mid-table finish.

After securing the signings of Joao Virginia, Michael Morrison, Charlie Adam and Matt Miazga, the attention of the Royals' fans has now turned to the attacking positions and Reading could bring in a new striker before transfer deadline day.

Leo Bonatini has been linked with a move to the Madejski Stadium, with the Berkshire side weighing up a move for the 25-year-old Brazilian, according to journalist Courtney Friday.

As we've seen with the potential Ovie Ejaria loan signing, transfer deals can always fall through at the last minute and the Royals need to have alternative options if they do not manage to lure Bonatini away from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Here are three Leo Bonatini alternatives that Reading should consider as the 2019/20 season approaches.

Eddie Nketiah (loan)

The Arsenal striker has performed well on the Gunners' pre-season tour out in the USA. However, the England youth international may not get much playing time at the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming season, with others well ahead of him in the pecking order.

A move down to the Championship on a season-long loan could be the perfect move for Nketiah, who probably isn’t wanting to spend another season in Arsenal’s U23 side. There might even be the chance that he stays with the first team. If he doesn’t, Reading could be a good destination for Nketiah to go out and prove himself.

The fact that Nketiah will have a lot to prove will only help Reading if he signs, who need to improve on their league position of 20th last season. Only time will tell whether the young English striker will be allowed out on loan.

Abel Hernandez

This is a signing where wages could be quite a problem. Unlike Nketiah, where Arsenal would probably be prepared to pay a portion of his wages, Hernandez is probably still a free agent because of his wage demands.

However, this could be a perfect signing for Reading if Hernandez accepted a reasonable wage. The Uruguayan is a lethal finisher, playing for Championship side Hull City in the past.

The striker is 28 and would be a very useful asset for any Championship side who’s in need of a clinical striker. Reading are currently one of those clubs and it would be a brilliant free transfer if Reading could get the forward to agree a wage with the club. This would solve the Royals’ dilemma up top.

Joe Pigott

The Royals have previously been linked with the 25-year-old earlier this summer. Pigott currently plays for AFC Wimbledon under former Reading coach Wally Downes and has worked his way up the leagues in order to get to the third tier.

Standing at over 6ft tall, Joe Pigott has the ability to play up front on his own, which is something that transfer-listed Marc McNulty and Sam Baldock have struggled to do at Reading.

Considering Reading's soft transfer embargo, this could be a realistic and an affordable signing for the Championship club.

This would leave Yakou Meite, Danny Loader, Andrijia Novakovich and Joe Pigott as options up front for the Royals next season. All of these players have the ability to get in to double figures this season if they play enough games.