Reading have excelled so far this season, soaring to third in the Championship standings under the guidance of Jaap Stam, and the Royals will be keen to bolster their squad in January to help their push for promotion.

The club face a wealth of competition in the play-off race, with just six points separating the top six from 17th position in the table.

With top-scorer Gareth McCleary boasting six goals this season, Reading could certainly benefit from a top-class striker in the January window, as their top-scorer's haul is well below that of Championship top-scorer Dwight Gayle, who has 13 to his name.

Unfortunately, a top-class striker is difficult to come by in the Championship as you're competing with promotion rivals for the signature of players, as well as that of the lower-tier clubs in the Premier League.

However, there are still options out there for Reading to look to sign, and here FootballLeagueWorld writer Josh Challies identifies FOUR realistic forward options that could certainly help fire Stam's side to promotion.

Jordan Rhodes

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The darling of the Championship in recent years, Jordan Rhodes has been unable to earn appearances in the Premier League with Middlesbrough due to competition with Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo.

Whilst further opportunities may be forthcoming, Rhodes could look for a transfer in January to become a first team regular once again.

Reading could excel with Rhodes leading the line, although they'd have to contend with other promotion-pushing sides to secure the Scotland international's signature.

That said, he's certainly an investment worth fighting for.

Connor Wickham

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Another Premier League forward struggling for game time, Crystal Palace may look to offload Connor Wickham in January after just over a year with the club.

At just 23-years-old, Wickham could be a star for the years to come for Reading.

Previously impressing on-loan at Sheffield Wednesday, scoring nine goals in 17 league appearances in the 2013/14 season, Wickham could find his feet at the Championship before lifting Reading to promotion and potentially excelling in the top-flight.

Chuba Akpom

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A serial loanee for Arsenal, Chuba Akpom has struggled to find opportunities in North London and that's likely to continue in the second-half of the season.

Currently injured, a loan move is necessary for the young striker in January and Reading should take a punt.

Whilst he'd help their promotion push, Akpom could end up being a star for the long-term at Reading if he decides to call time on Arsenal.

That's certainly a potential outcome, with the 21-year-old managing just four appearances in three years in the Gunners senior team.

Danny Ward

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A name followers of the Championship will be familiar with, the 25-year-old has starred for struggling Rotherham United this season and has netted eight goals for the side rooted to the bottom of the standings.

With those numbers and Rotherham's precarious league position, Reading would be wise to look towards signing the striker to aid their promotion push.

If he can hit that goals tally with a struggling side, what could he do with one pushing for a rise to the top-flight?

Reading fans... do you agree? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!