Reading enjoyed an excellent start to last season before crumbling away and going on to finish in 17th place in the Championship.

One of the main reasons for this was poor business in the transfer market by then-boss Steve Clarke, who brought in the likes of Matej Vydra, Orlando Sa, Alex Fernandez and Ola John, with little reward.

New boss Jaap Stam will have to spend his money more carefully if he wants to succeed next season, and has already began to manoeuvre in the transfer market.

The likes of Glenn Murray, who spent a spell on loan with the Royals in the 2014/15 season, Tyler Blackett, who would come in on loan from Manchester United and Joey van den Berg of Heerenveen have already been linked with a switch to Berkshire.

Here are THREE new signings who could star for Reading FC in their first Championship league game against Preston North End....

 

Tim Matavz

matavzsa

The Slovenian striker has 10 goals in 31 international appearances for his national side and is currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga with Augsburg, although he spent 4 games out on loan with Serie A side Genoa at the back end of last season.

The Royals have been linked with a move for the former PSV and Groningen man, and should they pull off the move, they could have found the perfect man to lead the line against Preston.

Tyler Blackett

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The Manchester United youngster made just 3 appearances out on loan with Scottish Champions Celtic last season, but new boss, and former United player, Jaap Stam, is interested in bringing the youngster to Reading on loan this summer.

At 6 feet 3 inches the young centre back is an asset in the air, but isn't exactly immobile, and is blessed with excellent pace, meaning he could be perfectly suited to the Championship.

Daniel Johnson

Daniel JohnsonDaniel Johnson

The midfielder has been pivotal for Preston ever since he joined from Aston Villa, and since then has made 62 appearances, notching an impressive 16 goals - a record better than some strikers.

The Jamaican could be a perfect replacement for Danny Williams, if Jaap Stam could pry him away from the Lilywhites, who the Royals are playing in their first game.

It would certainly make the opening day fixture even more of a fierce encounter.