Reading’s slide down the table is showing all the signs of being catastrophic, with the Royals edging closer to the bottom three with every passing week.

Jaap Stam’s men look a far cry from the team that stormed to the play-off final last season before a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat to Huddersfield Town, with relegation a distinct possibility for the former Premier League side.

Fortunately for the Berkshire outfit the form of their relegation rivals reads just as bad, but fans will be concerned that all that is keeping their side afloat is the failings of their rivals.

If the troops can be rallied and reading do avoid the drop this season, much improvement will be expected of the Dutchman, and this trio could emerge as potential targets for the under-fire former Manchester United defender…

The 25-year-old’s unpredictability and consistent form has helped keep Bolton in contention for survival this season, and with his contract set to expire at the end of June, there will certainly be a scramble for his signature when he enters free agency in the summer.

The former Newcastle United man has turned heads with his impressive displays at the Macron Stadium this term despite the Trotters’ struggles, and it looks likely that he shouldn’t have too many problems procuring a new club before the new season starts in August.

Having failed to break into the first-team set up at St James’ Park, the winger has much to prove and will hope to one day prove to his former employers that he was deserved of a chance, and if Stam can convince the player that the Royals do indeed harbour aspirations of the elite division of English football, then he could choose to take a chance at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading have proven that they are not averse to opening the check book following the addition of Sone Aluko last year, and Adams could be the latest attacking talent Stam turns his attentions to in the summer.

There will be a frenzy for the player’s signature should current side Birmingham be demoted in the coming months, with Stam likely to be amongst those that chase the impressive youngster when the transfer window opens.

Much depends on Stam convincing top summer targets of his aspirations to return Reading to the Premier League, with 21-year-old Adams once of those with dreams of the top flight having worked his way through non-league football.

If Stam pulls this off, people will have to take notice of the Royals’ aspirations.

Lowe was offered a one-year deal by Harry Redknapp at Birmingham before his short tenure came to a premature end and is set to enter free agency again in the summer.

Having failed to break into the set up at St Andrew’s, Lowe will look to put a disappointing spell behind him following an excellent start to his career with Blackburn Rovers, and Stam could be the man to reinvigorate the career of the 26-year-old midfielder.

An inspirational figure at Rovers, Lowe still has much to offer in the second tier and is certainly adept to play at this level, and the opportunity to pick up such a talented but lost player for nothing should appeal to Stam when the window opens for business.

Royals fans, thoughts?