Reading have confirmed that Josh Sims has returned to Premier League side, Southampton after an unsuccessful loan spell with the Berkshire based side.

There were high hopes for Sims when he first arrived at the club in the summer, but he has struggled to make a notable impact with the Royals.

The winger made just five starts for Reading, and made 13 appearances as a substitute, which is far from ideal for the Southampton man.

He would have hoped to make his mark with Reading as this was his first loan spell away from the Saints.

But newly appointed Southampton boss, Ralph Hasenhüttl has already given first-team opportunities to a number of young academy players this season.

Sims will be hoping that he can take the opportunity with both hands if he is to be given the chance by Hasenhüttl.

But the Southampton boss could be tempted to loan the midfielder out in the near future, to further his development, with Southampton possibly needing more experienced players to help aid their fight against relegation.

Sims is one of the first names to be leaving the club this month, with Jose Gomes starting to clear out some of the "deadwood" currently in the Reading squad.

It was also recently announced that Reading had transfer listed five first-team players, including Dave Edwards who has left the club today to join Shrewsbury Town. 

The Verdict: 

This is the ideal scenario for Reading supporters.

Sims hasn't lived up to his name this season, and was considerably far down the pecking order at the Madejski Stadium, and an early return to Southampton is the best move for both Reading and Sims.

He wasn't getting enough game time, and it's no surprise to see him returning to the Saints.