Reading are set to sign Monaco midfielder Pele, according to journalist Courtney Friday.

He reports that the midfielder is set to undergo a medical but it is not yet clear whether he will sign on a permanent basis, or join on loan.

The 27-year-old has only made 11 appearances for the French outfit since joining last summer and spent the second half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he made nine appearances.

Pele is a defensive-minded midfielder and Jose Manuel Gomes may be looking to bring him in with the aim of protecting the defence, particularly after the weekend's display when they conceded three at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

The Frenchman operates in a deeper role than the likes of John Swift and Andy Rinomhota, so his arrival could see a change in system for the Royals.

Gomes will be aware of what Pele can offer, as although he never managed him in a professional game the two did work together for a period last summer at Rio Ave, before Pele made the move to Monaco.

The Verdict

Pele should be a very useful signing for Reading as he is the type of player they lack right now.

He will offer valuable protection for the defence and provide an outlet for the defence to play the ball to, which is necessary if Gomes wants his passing style to be effective.

Pele has played more than 100 games in the Portuguese first division and arrives with good pedigree, he also knows what to expect from the Championship from his experience last season and that should serve him well.

Reading conceded 66 goals last season and have already began this campaign in similar fashion, so they are in urgent need of a player like Pele to shore things up and organise the midfield.