It has been a disappointing campaign so far at the Madejski Stadium, with Reading struggling to rediscover the form they showed last season in the Sky Bet Championship, which helped them to reach the play-off final.

Jaap Stam’s side have struggled to make an impact this year in the race for the top-six, with the Royals heading into the festive period struggling to keep pace with the division’s top-six

Personnel at the Madejski Stadium is largely the same as last season, but Stam’s side are struggling to dominate their opposition in the same way they did so effectively during the 2016/17 campaign.

However, in the Championship, momentum can be a wonderful thing, and Stam and his side will be aware that a strong start to 2018 could be all it takes for Reading to stage a push for promotion.

With that in mind, we take a look at TWO signings Reading need to make ASAP when the transfer window opens in 2018…

Declan John – Cardiff City

John is currently on-loan with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, but Reading have been linked with a January move for the Cardiff left-back, who has impressed at Ibrox.

The 22-year-old has two goals and two assists in his 12 appearances this season, but Reading face competition from Leeds in the race to secure his signature, which means moving early will be key.

Reading have had problems at left-back following Jordan Obita’s injury and it is certainly an area Stam needs to strengthen.

Jordan Hugill – Preston North End

Whether Reading are willing to part with the type of money it will take to sign Hugill remains to be seen, but the striker is certainly a player that should be on Stam’s radar.

Even during Reading’s successful campaign last season, they were reliant on Yann Kermorgant’s goals, which is also the case this year.

The addition of a player like Hugill, who is already closing in on double figures this season, could seriously boost Reading’s top-six hopes.

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