It is fair to say that the current campaign has been a complete write-off for Reading FC, with the Royals failing to build upon their heartbreaking play-off final defeat of last season when they fell to defeat at Wembley to Huddersfield Town.

Now being dragged closer and closer to a relegation battle, manager Jaap Stam will have be taking regular looks over his shoulder, with the sides below closing the gap on the Dutchman’s side with every passing week.

Reading now have it all to do if they are to begin to climb the table, and Stam must be active in the final days of the transfer window to ensure his side are prepared for what is set to be a gruelling end to the 2017/18 campaign.

The squad could also do with a mini clear out to make way for potential recruits, and this pair could be fearing for their Madejski futures…

 

Adrian Popa

Romanian winger Popa has failed to make his mark at The Madejski following his arrival last year, and it appears that his time at the club could be becoming to an end.

The 29-year-old has appeared just six times this term in the league which includes just three starts, and Stam has failed to use the player despite the Royals struggling in the league this term.

Popa just doesn’t appear to be cut out for the challenges currently facing the Berkshire-based side, and perhaps it is time to seek a fresh challenge as it is clear the player is not in the manager’s plans.

Popa spent the majority of his career in his homeland before moving to England, and should have no shortage of offers to return to Eastern Europe should he be available.

 

Sam Smith

Promising striker Smith broke into the first-team this season and has made a handful of appearances in the league, but doesn’t appear to be in Stam’s plans as a regular starter at this early stage of his career.

Smith needs first-team minutes to continue his progression, and the 19-year-old could benefit massively from a loan spell lower down the footballing pyramid and return to Reading in the summer prepared to challenge for a regular starting role in the Royals side.

Stam will be fully aware of the player’s potential, and should Smith begin to find form whilst out on loan, clauses could always be inserted to ensure he could be recalled if required.

Reading fans, let us know your thoughts!