Sky Bet Championship side Reading are interested in signing AFC Wimbledon striker Joe Pigott this summer, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The 25-year-old played an influential role in guiding the Dons away from what looked like a certain relegation from League One last season, as Wally Downed’ side finishing in 20th spot and staying up on goal difference.

The forward, who signed from Maidstone in 2018, scored 18 goals in all competitions last term, and is now believed to be attracting interest from plenty of high-profile clubs.

Jose Gomes’ Reading are understood to be keen on the striker, who could be available at a price of around £250,000 this summer.

Pigott came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic, before enduring several loan spells with the likes of Southend, Luton, Newport and Gillingham until he made a permanent move to Cambridge United.

He then took the step down to the National League with Maidstone, before signing for the Dons, and establishing himself as one of the more impressive forwards in League One.

Reading are currently under a soft transfer embargo, meaning that getting rid of players will be beneficial before they can think about bringing in fresh faces ahead of next season.

The Verdict

This is a transfer story that is likely to be quite underwhelming for Reading fans, and it brings back memories of when they signed Marc McNulty.

McNulty was prolific in League Two for Coventry, but simply failed to impress last season, which shows just how important it is to have in a proven, experienced Championship forward.

Apart from last season, Pigott has never really been prolific in his career, but on the flip side, he is a player that is on the rise, and he will be desperate to establish himself in the Championship.