Under the guidance of Jaap Stam, Reading have surpassed all of the pre-season expectations of them.

Many expected Stam to fail at Reading because he had never had a role as manager of a first team before and he had never coached in England.

His methods have turned out to be a stroke of genius though as he has guided Reading into a very promising position.

With just eight games left to play in the Championship this season, Reading have a six point cushion within the play-off zone.

Automatic promotion looks increasingly unlikely, though, so they would have to win promotion via the lottery of the play-offs.

If Reading do go up, then they will need to further strengthen their squad in the summer to assure their survival.

They do not have the biggest budget in the world and they might need to look for shrewd acquisitions, such as poaching some Championship stars.

Here are 3 players that Reading should look to sign from the Championship if they get promoted.

Luke Ayling

Plenty of Reading fans are calling for Jaap Stam to upgrade on Chris Gunter at right back and this issue will become even more pressing if the Royals win promotion.

One right back they could look at is Luke Ayling of Leeds as Reading's promotion via the play-offs is likely to be at the expense of Leeds.

Ayling can play across the defence and has been one of the signings of the season for Leeds, who will be reluctant to let the versatile star go.

However, the offer of Premier League football could entice the former Bristol City man.

Tom Ince

Reading could do with a bit more creativity in the wide areas to compete with the likes of Garath McCleary and Roy Beerens so Tom Ince would be a top signing.

The Derby winger blows hot and cold but he does have the ability to win games on his own with goals and assists if he applies himself.

The 25-year-old will be desperate to play top flight football again and his tally of 12 goals and 5 assists in 37 league games shows that he definitely has the ability to play at the top level.

Tammy Abraham

Reading will need a more prolific goal scorer than Yann Kermorgant if they are to survive in the Premier League and Tammy Abraham could be an astute loan signing.

The 6'3'' centre forward has netted 22 goals in 40 appearances on loan at Bristol City this season and he is single-handedly keeping their survival hopes alive.

The England under-21 marksman is unlikely to break into the Chelsea first team next season and he could be set for another loan move to a Premier League side.

If Reading go up, they would be the perfect destination for Abraham's next challenge.