The summer transfer window looks likely to be a rather important one for Reading FC.

It remains to be seen whether Paul Ince stays at the Selct Car Leasing Stadium as manager, but on the pitch, there are certain to be exits as contracts expire.

Indeed, the Royals will also no doubt be keen to strengthen their squad, in the hope of improving of a 21st place finish in the Championship, that saw them battling to avoid relegation for much of this season.

However, bringing players in may not be easy for the club, given the restrictions they have been having to work around following the breach of EFL profit and sustainability regulations, that saw them hit with a six-point deduction earlier in the campaign.

As a result, the club may want to avoid paying too many costly transfer fees this summer, meaning they may have to look to out of contract players they do not have to pay to sign, if they are to add to their squad.

With that in mind, we've taken a look at eight out of contract players Reading could consider signing this summer.

Starting in goal, Orjan Nyland's short term deal with the Royals is set to come to an end in the summer, meaning they may need some new cover and competition for Luke Southwood between the posts.

That could come in the form of Adam Davies, who also signed a short-term deal, this time with Sheffield United, back in January, but has been unable to force his way into the side at Bramall Lane.

He could therefore be set to move on in the summer, and will no doubt be keen to get another chance to prove himself in the Championship, something Reading could offer the 29-year-old.

Another goalkeeper on his way from a Championship club this summer who could be worth considering for Reading, is Keiren Westwood.

The Irishman has left QPR after a brief stint with the club during the second half of this season. and has plenty of experience at this level from his time with Sheffield Wednesday.

That is something which could prove useful at Reading both as a reliable option between the posts, and as a source of insight and guidance for Southwood, as he looks to establish himself as a regular Championship 'keeper.

With Tom Holmes, Terrell Thomas and Michael Morrison all out of contract this summer as things stand, and Scott Dann approaching the latter stages of his career, Reading may need to add some new centre backs to their ranks this summer.

One such option for the Royals to consider is Timm Klose, who is out of contract this summer after a brief spell with Bristol City.

That time at Ashton Gate showed that the 34-year-old, a former Championship title winner with Norwich, still has what it takes to compete at this level, which could be just what Reading need to shore up at the back next season.

Like Klose, another Championship veteran who could certainly help Reading at the heart of their defence, is Sol Bamba.

The 37-year-old has just left Middlesbrough after a year at the Riverside where he helped the club go close to sealing a play-off place, producing some excellent individual performances in the process.

That suggests that Bamba could still be capable of making a contribution in the Championship next season, which, combined with the leadership and strength in adversity he consistently shows, could be perfect for Reading.

While it has been suggested that Andy Yiadom is close to signing a new contract with the Royals, it does seem as though they could still benefit from some extra cover on the right-hand side of defence.

One option who should surely be considered for that role, is Nathan Byrne, who could be available with his Derby contract expiring, and the Rams not yet in a position to had out new deal due to their current situation.

Byrne has shown himself to be a reliable operator in the Championship even in challenging circumstances with Wigan and Derby in recent years, something which could make him a useful option to turn as Reading look to get back on track after their own recent issues.

Midfield is also a place where Reading will surely have to add to their squad as well, with the likes of John Swift, Josh Laurent and Andy Rinomhota out of contract, and loaness Danny Drinkwater and Tom Dele-Bashiru returning to their parent clubs.

One option worth looking at for the Royals in that respect is Massimo Luongo, who is out of contract with Sheffield Wednesday this summer, with the Owls League One play-off defeat to Sunderland on Monday potentially making it harder for them to secure a new deal.

Luongo's combative presence could see him prove a useful and influential figure in the centre of the park for Reading, especially given he has shown during his time with QPR and Wednesday, that he is more than capable of holding his own in the Championship.

One player already familiar with Reading who the Royals could consider bringing back to the club on a free in the summer, is Tom Ince.

The winger spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan with the Royals from Stoke, scoring twice and providing one assist in 15 league games, but he has now been released by his parent club.

Ince's familiarity with the club and their style of play could make a fresh move a smart one, particularly if father Paul is still in charge, since it would help him to settle in and hit the ground running, with a shorter turnaround than usual to the new season.

They couldn't, could they?

Carroll of course, spent the first half of the 2021/22 season at Reading, where despite a struggle for goals, he proved a hugely popular and important figure within the Royals' squad.

The striker then spent the second half of the campaign with West Brom, but despite impressing plenty at The Hawthorns, was unable to earn a new contract, meaning he is once again a free agent.

That is something you feel Reading should surely be looking to take advantage of, given his performances for the club suggest this would be a big boost on the pitch in terms of their prospects for next season, while proving a popular move off the pitch with supporters as well.