Reading are hovering just above the relegation zone and are out of the bottom three on goal difference after 17 matches.

Paul Clement’s side have won just six matches since he took charge back in March and have struggled with consistency this term.

The January transfer window is coming up, and with the Royals struggling, there will be eyes on their prized assets.

Clubs who are fighting for promotion could well look to take advantage of Reading’s shortcomings and offer their better players a Championship lifeline.

One such player who could attract interest is Liam Moore.

Having only signed a new five-year deal in the summer, he had wanted to leave the club before agreeing terms having handed in a transfer request.

He has gone on to make 15 appearances this term, scoring once.

And with the Royals struggling at the foot of the table, teams higher up the division could swoop on the defender and release him from what is turning out to be a disappointing season for him and his current side.

If Moore is poached in the New Year, here are three potential replacements Reading must consider.

Out of favour at Millwall and out of contract in the summer, he is still a solid Championship defender despite his age.

If Liam Moore is to leave, then an option that wouldn’t cost too much is Byron Webster.

A dominant, dependable centre-half, he would certainly sure up a leaky Reading defence and give them more cover that they desperately need.

It would be an effective signing, even if only for the short term.

The Charlton defender is earning rave reviews at The Valley and is undoubtedly a player that Reading should be looking at.

Patrick Bauer is one of their better defenders, and if Liam Moore was to go, then the German should be high up the list of Paul Clement’s targets.

Comfortable on the ball and a rock at the back, it would be the perfect signing that would suit Reading down to the ground.

This man has some unfinished business at Reading after sustaining a long-term injury at the club last year while on loan.

Tommy Elphick is currently on loan at Hull, but there is a recall clause in the deal for the New Year.

If that is revoked and he returns to Aston Villa but sees himself left out of the side once more, Reading should certainly pounce on the 31-year-old.