Steve Clarke has really worked his way through his coaching career and is now regarded as a reputable manager in the game.

Clarke started off his coaching career through the youth system at Chelsea. He was then promoted to be Mourinho’s assistant in the summer of 2004.

Clarke was part of the coaching set-up which saw Chelsea win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups over the three seasons with the Portuguese manager.

He went on to develop his experience from assistant roles with West Ham and Liverpool, working with Gianfranco Zola and Kenny Dalglish.

West Brom gave him the chance to prove himself as a manager; he enjoyed a successful first season with the Baggies finishing in eighth in the table in 2013, which was their best finish since 1981.

The following season, Clarke was controversially sacked in December 2014 after four losses in the row and many of the fans were sad to see Clarke leave.

Since his arrival at Reading, he has really turned the club around following their disappointing campaign last year.

Reading are at the right end of the table and with a great manager in charge, players could be persuaded to come to the Berkshire club in the January transfer window to make them genuine contenders for the play-offs.

FLW Writer Ashley Williams looks at FIVE players who could be on his wishlist for January….

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

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Gyasi Zardes

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The American frontman is a big talent in the MLS and Clarke has big plans to bring in the LA Galaxy player.

Reading have been linked with a move for the striker and he has been one of the most prolific strikers in the MLS, over the past few seasons.

As a result of his fine form, the striker has been consistently linked with a move to Europe and Reading could be favourites to sign him.

Patrick Bamford

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Bamford has been sent out on loan to Palace this season, and hasn’t really impressed at Selhurst Park.

He has been linked with a move back to Championship if his deal is cut short with Crystal Palace.

Chelsea and Reading have a strong link and Mourinho could help out his old colleague Clarke, by negotiating an offer for the young English striker.

Royals fans were extremely keen to bring in the Chelsea forward in the summer, and Clarke will want some fire power to ensure they gain a play-off place.

Liam Bridcutt

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The Sunderland man has really fallen out of favour at the Stadium of Light and has been linked with a move to Reading, along with two other Championship clubs.

The midfielder is considering his options after initially agreeing a deal with Leeds United a few weeks ago, but the deal fell through.

Reading could pounce ahead of Leeds for the midfielder and he would bring quality to the midfield.

Dan Sweeney

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The 21-year-old is a surprise package that Clarke has been interested in lately.

The Dulwich player has been in excellent form this season scoring seven goals and has attracted the interest of several clubs.

Sweeney is on a non-contract term at Dulwich and could have the opportunity to train at Reading.

This could be a real bargain for the club.

Randell Williams

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Williams is an ex-trainee of Tottenham and is another surprise target from Clarke.

At just 18, Reading could be looking for a future prospect, but the youngster has been one of the most exciting players in non-league for Tower Hamlets.

He has been scouted by other clubs, but Reading are the favourites to snap him up in January.

Reading fans... Would you like to see these five players at the club? If not, Who should Steve Clarke bring into the squad in the summer? Let us know your opinions and comments below!