Things are finally starting to heat up at the Madejski Stadium with just under a month to go.

Reading's new kit home and goalkeeper kits have been released, a special away kit is being prepared ahead of their 150th anniversary and three players have been linked with a move to Berkshire all in the past week.

Much more is set to come as preparations ramp up for the 2021/22 campaign and after a high-profile departure since the last FLW Reading transfer-round up, there's plenty to be to catch up on.

 

 

They might be under a transfer embargo as things stand, but the current EFL rules they are operating under allow them to negotiate loan deals and contracts for free agents.

We take a look at a few transfer developments to have happened at the Madejski Stadium in the last week.

Double signing on the horizon?

Free agents Yannick Bolasie and Junior Hoilett have both been linked with a move to Berkshire in the past week, with the Royals taking a strong interest in both according to Berkshire Live.

As per the same report, they believe the club have already tabled an offer to Bolasie, who left Everton in the summer after a very unsuccessful five-year spell at Goodison Park.

In a major boost for the Royals, Turkish side Caykur Rizespor have pulled out of the race for the 32-year-old, giving the Championship side a real chance of signing him.

Meanwhile, Reading are also keeping tabs on fellow winger Junior Hoilett who was released by Mick McCarthy's Cardiff City at the start of last month.

The 31-year-old has been a regular player for the Bluebirds in the last five seasons and this experience could be valuable to a young Royals side.

With the Royals needing at least two wingers to come in after Yakou Meite's injury and Michael Olise's departure to Crystal Palace, the Berkshire side could potentially sign both before the season starts.

Kyle Edwards on trial

When Reading announced the team for their friendly against Lincoln City on Saturday, a trialist was included in the starting lineup - and Royals fans were convinced this mystery player was a winger.

The club released key highlights throughout the match and this player was spotted by Reading fans, with many potential names being bandied about.

This trialist was confirmed as former West Brom wide man Kyle Edwards by Berkshire Live, who was said to be in talks with Celtic not so long ago.

The Baggies will be due compensation if the 23-year-old signs on at the Madejski Stadium because of his graduation through their youth system - and it's unknown whether the Royals' current transfer embargo would affect this deal.

But they are unlikely to have taken him on trial if they thought a deal couldn't be struck.

With not too long to go until the start of next season, they will want to get him on board quickly and avoid the situation they endured with Rodrigo Riquelme less than 12 months ago.

Michael Olise's departure confirmed

19-year-old Frenchman Michael Olise has signed for Premier League outfit Crystal Palace for an £8m fee after Patrick Viera's side triggered his release clause.

The attacking midfielder had just one year left on his contract at the Madejski Stadium and after some of his performances in the Championship last season, was always destined for bigger things.

Reading will be hoping this transfer fee will allow the EFL to give them more freedom in the transfer market, although this sale will be included in their 2021/22 accounts, a set of financial records that will not be released until 2023.

Regardless of this, many Royals fans will be glad he hasn't left for free like fellow academy graduates Danny Loader and Omar Richards have in the past year.