Reading are still in a relegation fight as they battle to retain their status as a Championship club.

There’s no doubting that the Royals have the quality in their squad to be challenging for a higher-placed finish in the league.

Since Jose Gomes has taken charge of the Berkshire-based side, their fortunes have turned around which will be pleasing to see for the club’s supporters.

Gomes’ side now find themselves four points clear of the relegation zone, and they’ll be confident of edging themselves further clear of the drop zone before the season reaches a conclusion.

One man that has played a key role in the recent turnaround of results is Yakou Meite.

The former PSG forward was signed on a free by the Royals back in 2016, but he struggled to nail down a regular starting spot when he first arrived at the club.

There were rumours that the Ivory Coast international could be set to depart the club on January’s Deadline Day, but the the sides interested in signing him, didn’t make a formal bid for his services.

That has proved to be a blessing in disguise, with Meite showcasing his talent for all to see since the turn of the year.

He has scored some crucial goals for Reading recently, and without his notable contribution, the Royals would be occupying one of the places in the bottom three.

At the age of 23, he has real potential about him and will be a star player for Jose Gomes’ side as they look to improve for future seasons after a bitterly disappointing campaign this year.

If he continues this impressive run of form, then the Reading boss is likely to be fielding some calls from potential suitors for Meite, who are sure to have been impressed by his recent performances for the Royals.

You have to feel, that if Reading had decided to send him out on loan or on a permanent transfer, then they’d almost certainly be relegated by now.

A season-defining decision, that has paid off, and will ultimately save the club from relegation this season.