Reading striker Sam Smith is on the verge of joining Oxford United on loan, according to The Reading Chronicle.

Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has suggested that Smith is "desperate" to join his side on loan for the entirety of next season.

Reading are willing to let the 20-year-old leave on loan this summer with Championship and League One clubs keen on taking him.

Smith is currently with the first-team in their pre-season training camp in Austria but looks close to moving to Oxford United for the season.

Speaking about a striker target - though to be Smith - Robinson said: “A club has given me their word, the agent has given me his word, I’ve spoken to the player and he’s desperate to come."

With the young forward set to leave on loan and Yann Kermorgant getting released recently, Paul Clement is hoping to sign a striker of his own in the coming days.

The Royals have brought in Marc McNulty from Coventry City and Clement is close to completing his second centre-forward signing of the summer to provide competition with McNulty and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

The Verdict

A loan move to Oxford is perfect for Smith.

It is not a far move for the talented youngster and he can thrive in League One with added responsibility.

This is yet another impressive piece of business by the U's, who are building a decent squad, and after scoring twice in 9 games last year, Smith will be hoping to kick on.

Reading fans - Good move? Let us know below...