Reading Chronicle journalist Courtney Friday confirmed on Twitter that Reading FC boss Jaap Stam hasn’t given up on a possible loan switch for Manchester United outcast, James Wilson.

The 21-year-old graduated from the Red Devils academy in 2014 following a 12-year spell in the youth team set-up at Old Trafford, scoring twice on his debut in a 3-1 victory over Hull City.

Full of promise, Wilson spent the 2015/16 campaign on loan at Brighton where he scored five goals, before a poor spell with Derby County in 2016 saw the forward make just four Championship appearances.

The former England youth international has been restricted to the reserve team set-up under United boss Jose Mourinho, and a January loan move looks increasingly likely as the youngster goes in search of first team action.

Stam’s side have struggled in the league, winning just five of their opening fifteen encounters, and lie in eighteenth place in the Championship table.

A new striker is a top winter priority, and Wilson could be the man the Dutchman turns to.

The Verdict

Reading have struggled this year, and despite an impressive 4-2 away win over Derby in their final fixture before the international break, it is clear the Royals are in need of another forward.

Wilson is available, and it will cost a nominal fee if any to bring him to the Madejski for the second half of the season, so the youngster is certainly worthy a punt.

Stam could perhaps do with two more strikers in the winter window, with Wilson being the first, so Reading fans should watch their transfer activity closely as the window approaches.

All the 21-year-old needs is a confidence boost that he will find with an early goal or two, and he could go on to become a prolific goalscorer at this level.

Reading could be the perfect place for Wilson to shine, and under the stewardship of a former United fan favourite, the Premier League giants will have no qualms in sending their promising player to Berkshire.

Reading fans, would you be happy to see Wilson end up at the Madejski in January? Have your say below...