The 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship campaign is set to be interesting for Reading, as the rest of the division waits to see if Jaap Stam can once again inspire the Royals to challenge for promotion.

Reading came close to securing a Premier League return last year, losing the play-off final to Huddersfield Town on penalties.

Whilst many are expecting a hangover from that defeat, Stam is bolstering his squad to avoid that happening.

Pelle Clement, Vito Mannone and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson have already been signed, and Stam is now looking to bolster his attacking options, with reported interest in Nahki Wells and Sone Aluko.

The Dutchman has not made a breakthrough in his quest to sign the duo yet, and here at FLW, we believe he should turn his attention to Patrick Bamford, the Middlesbrough striker who could find opportunities limited next season.

The arrival of Britt Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher and Martin Braithwaite, have significantly bolstered Garry Monk’s striking options in the North East, with Bamford finding himself down the pecking order.

Bamford has struggled to make a serious impact in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons, but the 23-year-old was exceptional in his last stint in the Championship with Boro.

During the 2014/15 campaign, the forward scored 17 goals in the Championship and picked up the division’s Player of the Year award, as Boro reached the play-off final.

Many are expecting Bamford to rediscover that form next season in the Championship, but at Boro he may not be given game time, which is why we believe a move to Reading would suit the youngster.

Last season Reading were far too reliant on the goals of Yann Kermorgant, but the addition of Bamford would ease the pressure on the Frenchman and the duo have all the traits to become a prolific partnership.

Should Reading make a bold move for Bamford, Stam could have found the solution that will take the club back to the Premier League.