Belgian top-tier side Anderlecht are considering a loan move for Reading striker George Puscas, according to journalist Emanuel Rosu.

The 25-year-old has struggled at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this term, scoring just once in 24 competitive appearances this term and recently being kept out of the starting lineup by ex-England international Andy Carroll.

Carroll's short-term deal at the club expired following last weekend's match against Middlesbrough - but Lucas Joao's return to the bench could see the Romanian deemed surplus to requirements if the Royals seek to recruit another forward.

Veljko Paunovic's side are currently looking to cut costs in their bid to become a more sustainable club, with Brazilian shot-stopper Rafael Cabral terminating his contract at the club yesterday via a mutual agreement as he returns to his native country.

Puscas, who is also likely to be one of the club's higher earners after joining the club for a record fee back in August 2019 when they were under no transfer restrictions, may also be shifted out.

He is one player who is contracted to the Berkshire club beyond the end of the season - and with the Royals needing to stay within a wage limit from next season as part of the business plan they agreed with the EFL back in November - they may be looking to cash in on the 25-year-old.

Talks are not thought to be at an advanced stage yet, although he is reported to be available on a loan-to-buy move as per journalist Rosu.

The Verdict:

For all parties, a move away would be ideal and as long as they can get all of his wages off the book, the Royals would probably be happy with letting him go considering the salary he's likely to be picking up.

Although it would be something of a blow for the club to lose him for very little or nothing after forking out a record transfer fee for his services, his departure would probably allow Paunovic's men to bring two or three players in and that could make all the difference this month.

It does feel as though the second-tier outfit needs a lift and more fresh faces, especially after the departure of Carroll, so the 25-year-old making the move away may just be crucial in steering them away from their relegation battle.

He may be a promising player - but manager Paunovic is insistent on playing one up top and that's a role that doesn't suit the Romanian international - so there's no real point in retaining him unless they are unable to secure a replacement or two.

Ideally, they would need two forwards to come in to compensate for both Carroll and Puscas, but the Royals will be hoping the return of Joao can prove to be vital after spending so long out.

His recovery may have put the final nail in the coffin of Puscas' career at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.