Oxford United are in talks with Reading about a deal for young striker Sam Smith, according to the Witney Gazette.

The report suggests the 20-year old is available on a season-long loan deal, something facilitated by the Royals' capture of Coventry City striker Marc McNulty earlier this week.

“If we can get him in amongst a few (interested) Championship and League One teams it would be a real coup," O's boss Karl Robinson told the Witney Gazette, “His agent, the player and Reading have been very good. We’re in discussions with them but there’s a lot of competition. We like him and he’s on our list, but getting a deal done is always difficult when he’s that good.”

Smith made 13 appearances for Reading in all competitions last season, scoring twice, and is contracted at the club until 2021. He started life as a trainee at Manchester United, but joined Reading in 2014 as a 16-year old.

Aside from his outings last season, Smith's only other senior football came in a loan spell at Bishop Stortford, where he scored twice in seven National League North game sin 2016/17.

Oxford have already signed Luke Garbutt on a season-long deal from Everton as well as Samir Carruthers from Sheffield United.

The Verdict

This would seem like a great chance for a promising player to get some important games under his belt.

Smith is highly-regarded in many circles but he needs games to reach his potential Oxford United are in safe hands with Karl Robinson and it would be a move that could suit both parties.

Smith would remain local but also benefit from being in the first team picture.

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