Following a shocking start to the season, Reading FC have begun to establish some form in the league, with Jaap Stam’s side picking up points in recent weeks.

Still a long way off the playoff pace, it appears the Dutchman’s side are still suffering from their disappointment of playoff final defeat to Huddersfield Town, a problem Stam must address very quickly if his side are to challenge for a top-six spot.

Changes must be made in the new year to provide the squad with a boost, and Stam must scour the market to find the correct additions to turn his year around.

Faces may have to depart to make way for new names, with the manager surely keen to trim his squad in the coming weeks.

Unwanted players must be moved on, and this pair could be the first to go…

Joseph Mendes

The Frenchman has struggled with injuries this season, but still appears to lack a future at The Madejski Stadium.

Even when fit Mendes has failed to impress, making just one start and two substitute appearances so far.

Better options are surely on the market, and if Stam is backed in the January window, he will find a suitable upgrade for the French forward in his squad.

Loan deals are likely for the Royals, and Stam will look to procure a top talent to help guide his side up the table in the new year.

Should the correct man be found, Mendes will be pushed further down the pecking order, and could become obsolete in this squad.

Pelle Clement

The 21-year-old joined the Royals from Ajax in the summer, after playing the majority of his young career in the reserve set-up of the European giants.

Making just three starts since his summer arrival, Clement is yet to make his mark on first-team affairs at Reading, and still hasn’t found the net in twelve overall appearances.

A loan move could benefit the young striker, with a switch to League One allowing the player to find his feet in the English game before a return to Reading raring to go ahead of next season.

Clement has potential, and just needs an opportunity to prove to himself and his manager that he can succeed at this high level of the game.

Prove himself in the third tier and find his feet, then Clement could return to the club ready to take the Championship by storm next season.

Would this pair benefit from loan moves away from the club if replacements could be found? Have your say below...