Reading have submitted an initial loan offer with an option to buy for Sporting Lisbon youngster Pedro Mendes, according to O Jogo.

The forward has been in prolific form for the Portuguese side's under-23 team so far this season and has managed to score 15 times in just 20 appearances.

Mendes does have some first-team experience, and has also featured four times in the Europa League for Sporting. He scored on his debut for the first-team when netting from outside the box against PSV.

At just 20-years-old, he's in need of some regular game time in the senior side but doesn't seem to be getting that in this current period of time.

It looks as though Reading feel that they need a new striker after Lucas Joao was ruled out for three months, whilst George Puscas has failed to deliver in his absence.

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The Verdict

It would be an interesting one, and a transfer that gets Royals supporters excited although it's a risk just like Puscas was.

A lot of players who come into the Championship don't quite know how tough the league can be, and Mendes would have to be on his game from the first whistle, especially as he'd be joining in January.

He has looked good when making his cameos in the Europa League and it would provide a good option in the attacking line should Reading complete the deal.

The Royals still have an outside chance of the play-offs, as once this tough run of games ends, Reading's run-in looks to be one of the more favourable in the division.