Reading are interested in signing Leeds United's Jamie Shackleton on loan, with the Premier League side ready to let the player go.

The 22-year-old, who came through the ranks at Elland Road, has featured regularly over the years for the Whites, but he has struggled to nail down a place in the XI.

Therefore, a loan move is seen as the next step for his development and Football Insider have revealed that the Royals are leading the race ahead of Championship rivals to land Shackleton.

And, here we look at THREE reasons why Paul Ince needs to do all he can to ensure the former England youth international makes the move to Berkshire...

He can play different positions

It's believed the Shackleton wants to play in central midfield, which is where you would expect Reading plan to use him, but he can also fill in at full-back, so that versatility is a positive.

Even within midfield, the Leeds man is capable of fulfilling different roles, whether that's as a defensive midfielder or box-to-box.

With Reading short on numbers at the moment, having a player like this could be invaluable to Ince.

He brings quality to the team

Perhaps more importantly, Shackleton is a good player!

He has made 80 appearances for Leeds over the past few years in what has generally been a hugely successful period for the club in their recent history.

The fact he has contributed for a Championship winning side and in the top-flight shows the quality is there and he would be an improvement on what Reading have.

He has a point to prove

Finally, Shackleton is reaching a critical period of his career where he needs to be playing regularly and if he wants to force his way into Leeds' first-team then he will need to have a very good spell with Reading.

So, he will be fully motivated and keen to help the team and he knows it will be a big season for him if the move happens.