Reading have one of the best youth academies in the country, with several top level players having come out of the academy at the Madejski Stadium.

However, Jaap Stam will be looking at his current squad and wishing that at least a few previous players could stumble into his side.

The current side lacks a real talisman up front who can be relied on to score 20 plus goals every season, and the midfield currently lacks a player who can dictate the tempo of the play.

Paul McShane could really do with a calm, experienced head to partner himself at the centre of the defence as well, and with nobody fully convinced by Ali Al-Habsi in goal, a Marcus Hahnemann or Alex McCarthy would be highly appreciated now.

Here are THREE former Reading players who would fit in seamlessly at the club now......

 

Adam Federici

The Aussie keeper never fully recovered after letting Alexis Sanchez's shot slip through his hands, and it was sad that an excellent spell at the club was to be remembered for one unfortunate moment.

However, after a season at Bournemouth that wielded very few first team appearances, it's looking likely that he will move on.

Reading fans would certainly love to have the Australian international back at Reading.

Daniel Carrico

Sevilla's Portuguese centre back was a curious case at the 'Mad Stad'.

He arrived in England to considerable hype, but failed to adapt to the English game, and barely made an appearance for the Royals before being flogged to the Spanish side.

Since joining Sevilla his career has blossomed and he has won 3 Europa League titles, playing nearly every game.

His quality and experience would be much appreciated alongside Paul McShane in this Reading back four.

Adam Le Fondre

After joining the Royals for a minimal fee from then-League 2 side Rotherham United, Le Fondre evolved into a Reading fan favourite as his goals lifted the Royals into the Premier League.

In the Premier League, he developed the tag of 'super-sub', coming off the bench several times to rescue points for Reading.

After leaving for Cardiff City he's never really reached that form, and Reading fans would love him back at the club.