Reading have so far failed to replicate the performances from last season that took them to the play-off final, with Jaap Stam’s men currently ten points behind sixth place.

Their inconsistent form has made the January window vital for the Dutch manager and he will surely expect to bring in several players as they strive for a much better second half to the season.

Goals have been particularly hard to come by, with Mo Barrow the Royals top scorer with six goals this season. Worryingly, behind him no player has more than three.

A striker seems inevitable but what else should we expect from Reading in this window?

We take a look…

George Dagless

It needs to be something special.

Reading are adrift of the top six and certainly look short of making it this year.

Jaap Stam will have to pull off some masterstrokes but I don't see it happening. Reading fans could be disappointed.

Adam Simeoni

A striker and a full-back will be a minimum expectation at The Madejski.

Stam has several areas of the squad to address, but these stand out above the rest. The Royals have looked better in recent weeks, and if an injection of quality can be secured, they could continue to climb the table.

Alfie Burns

A left-back should be on Stam’s radar, as the position is becoming a problem at the Madejski Stadium, with Chris Gunter asked to play out of position.

The Royals still have slim play-off hopes, but to achieve a top-six finish, a clinical striker must arrive to support Yann Kermorgant.

Stam won’t want to lose many members of his squad in the New Year, but like many other Championship clubs, their stance over a few players could be tested.

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