Reading's attacking department is quite thin at this point in time.

Several youth players are currently in and around the first team for the simple reason that there aren't enough senior players to fill the void.

With Garath McCleary the only option on the right wing, and Roy Beerens becoming the only senior left winger, the only other options manager Jaap Stam has out wide are Jack Stacey, Tariqe Fosu, Josh Barrett or possibly Deniss Rakels.

In terms of strikers, Yann Kermorgant provides much needed experience to the Reading team, but isn't a viable option to lead the line as a lone striker in Stam's 4-3-3 system.

Rakels has impressed with his early performances, and Samuel was also impressive out on loan at Gillingham last year, and with Joseph Mendes arriving from Le Havre, Stam has several options.

Here, FootballLeagueWorld writer Harry Smith identifies the lethal front THREE at Reading for the 2016/17 season...

LW - Deniss Rakels

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The Latvian established himself as a Reading fan favourite after scoring a late winner against Charlton Athletic, and following that up with goals against Leeds United and QPR.

With his ability to play on the wing or up front, Rakels is the perfect fit for Stam's 4-3-3 system, and with the abundance of striking options you would imagine he would be deployed out on the wing, despite the club having just signed Roy Beerens from Hertha Berlin.

ST - Dominic Samuel

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The youngster developed into a tidy little striker whilst out on loan with Gillingham last season, and Reading fans are calling for him to be the Royals' starting striker next season.

Samuel has impressed manager Stam so far at Reading's training camp in Holland, and if he continues to impress, you wouldn't rule him out of starting the first league game against Preston North End when August comes round.

RW - Garath McCleary

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The Jamaican international has been Reading's man to watch for some years now, terrorising defences with his sublime pace and fierce long range strikes, but suffered a little dip in form last season.

However, early signs in pre-season show that McCleary is getting back to top form, and thriving under Stam.

His starting spot on the right wing has never really been in contention, as long as he can stay fit.

Reading fans... what do you think of this front three? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!