It could be an interesting January transfer ahead for Veljko Paunovic at Reading this month, with the Royals boss being braced for interest in some key players. 

The Berkshire-based side are currently sat fifth in the Championship table after their opening 23 matches in this year's campaign, and they're just three points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

But with their surprise push for promotion into the Premier League this term, it was always likely that there would be a downfall to that - and that comes with considerable interest in some of their promising youngsters.

Michael Olise and Omar Richards have both been linked with moves away from the Madejski Stadium this month, with the latter attracting interest from German giants Bayern Munich recently according to the The Telegraph.

Reading don't have much squad depth, which has led to Veljko Paunovic having to call upon a number of the club's academy players to fill the matchday squad.

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Injuries to the likes of Yakou Meite and the on-and-off injuries from Lucas Joao have seen Paunovic struggle to have a settled starting XI.

Therefore, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the Reading boss dipping into the transfer market in January, as he looks to add much-needed depth to his side, as they continue their push for promotion into the top-flight.

One player that the Royals could turn to as they look to add depth is Peterborough United forward Siriki Dembele, who has been catching the eye with a number of impressive showings for the League One side this term.

Dembele can operate out wide as a winger, or as a striker, which make him a versatile option to have for any potential suitors. The 24-year-old has five goals and five assists to his name in all competitions this season, and it doesn't seem as though he'll be a Peterborough United player for much longer.

Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has revealed that Dembele has handed in a transfer request in order to try and force a move elsewhere this month.

There are likely to be a number of clubs interested in signing the Posh striker, who had previously been wanted by Nottingham Forest. 

But it remains to be seen as to which club is leading the race to land his signature, but Reading should certainly consider registering their interest in signing Dembele, who won't be short of offers before the January transfer window reaches a conclusion.