The heartache of a play-off final defeat is agonising, and those associated with Reading Football Club will still be reeling from their penalty shoot out loss to Huddersfield Town.

Boss Jaap Stam has much to do this summer if he is to rally his troops for another promotion push, and planning to replace the retiring Yann Kermorgant, who is set to hang up his boots at the end of next season, will be an item on the agenda.

The Royals often relied heavily on the goals of the Frenchman last season, and Stam will look to add another striker to his squad this summer to relieve some of the burden from the ageing, former Bournemouth forward.

Stam will consider a plethora of options from across the continent, but one man the Dutch manager should consider is League Two joint top scorer John Akinde.

The 28 year old has been in prolific form for the Bees for a number of seasons, and has amassed an impressive 80 goals in only 134 appearances since his move to the outskirts of London.

A journeyman with a number of clubs and loan moves to his name, Akinde has found form at The Hive Stadium, and a move away from League Two may be on the cards this summer.

In his late 20’s, Akinde may feel that it is time to depart for a higher level, and Reading should take a punt on the former non-league man.

Akinde has consistently scored goals over the past three seasons, and has proven himself as an extremely able finisher.

The player has a contract with Barnet that runs till 2019, so Reading would have to stump up a fee with two years on his contract remaining.

In the market for a proven goalscorer, the fee in comparison with the player should be relatively nominal, and Stam should move to ensure that Akinde lines up at the Madejski next season.