It's been a season full of ups and downs for Mark Bowen at Reading this season, as they currently sit in mid-table in the Championship. 

The Royals have previously struggled in the last couple of seasons in the second tier, but have shown much-needed improvement this term.

The Berkshire-based side are currently sat 14th in the Championship table, and are just eight points adrift of the play-off places with nine matches remaining this season.

It could be an interesting summer transfer window ahead for the Royals, as they look to try and strengthen their squad ahead of next year's campaign.

We take a look at SEVEN Premier League outcasts that Bowen could target in the summer.

Find out who they are, on the next page....

Simpson is currently with AFC Bournemouth, but has struggled for consistent game time this season with Eddie Howe's side.

The young defender has age on his side, and is out-of-contract at the end of the season, which could make him a shrewd signing for the Royals, who could benefit from added depth in defensive areas if Matt Miazga's loan spell from Chelsea isn't extended.

Cullen is with West Ham United, but is currently on loan with Championship strugglers Charlton Athletic.

Reading could certainly benefit from having a player to challenge the likes of Ovie Ejaria and John Swift for their starting spots in midfield, and Cullen could be that player.

The midfielder is also out-of-contract in the summer, which could make him a tempting proposition for a number of clubs.

The young Aston Villa forward has featured as a substitute in the Premier League for Dean Smith's side this season.

But he's unlikely to be a regular starter for them anytime soon, and with Davis being out-of-contract in the summer, he could be heading for the exit door at Villa Park.

He'll be keen to make a name for himself in senior football at the earliest of opportunities.

Adarabioyo is contracted to Manchester City, but has been making a name for himself on loan with play-off chasing Blackburn Rovers this season.

The central defender would be more than capable of challenging the likes of Liam Moore, Tom McIntyre and Michael Morrison for their starting spots in Mark Bowen's team.

He's out-of-contract in the summer as well, and is likely to be attracting significant interest after his strong performances for Rovers.

Balogun is with Brighton and Hove Albion, but is currently on loan with Wigan Athletic.

It's no coincidence that Wigan's impressive run of results have come when Balogun has been involved for Paul Cook's side, and the Latics boss will be hoping he can see more of the same from the Brighton loanee in the future.

The Spurs defender spent the first-half of this year's campaign on loan with Stoke City, but is now with Luton Town for the remainder of the season.

The young centre-back has also previously played with the likes of Swansea City and Sheffield United, and will be eager to have his long-term future resolved at the earliest of opportunities, as it seems unlikely he'll be anywhere near the Spurs starting XI anytime soon.

Dowell has shown glimpses of his quality in the past with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United.

But he's now playing his football with Wigan Athletic, whilst on loan from Everton.

If the Royals were to sign him, then he could be the ideal player to take the weight of expectation for the creative spark off of John Swift's shoulders in the Reading team.