Reading FC have got their fair share of players that are out-of-contract at the end of this year's league campaign. 

Any potential departures in the summer could lead to some players being given more of an opportunity to impress in Veljko Paunovic's first-team.

There could potentially be a clear out at the Madejski Stadium in the summer, with Reading potentially preparing for life back int the Premier League.

Paunovic's men are currently sat fifth in the Championship table, and will be eager to build on a recent 1-0 win over struggling Blackburn Rovers in their most recent match.

One of those players that is out-of-contract in the summer is goalkeeper Luke Southwood. The Reading academy graduate has had a number of loan spells away from the club over the years, including at the likes of Hamilton Academical and Boreham Wood.

Southwood has found regular game time hard to come by with the Royals this season though, with the shot-stopper being restricted to just three senior appearances for the Berkshire-based side, all of which have come in cup competitions.

The 23-year-old has often been kept out of the starting XI by Rafael, who has retained his place in the starting XI for the majority of this year's campaign, despite some costly errors for the promotion-chasing Royals.

He had previously been behind Sam Walker in the pecking order as well, which would have been frustrating for Southwood, who caught the eye with some strong performances whilst out on loan with Hamilton Academical up in Scotland.

At this moment in time, it remains to be seen as to whether any agreement between Southwood and Reading FC has been reached as of yet.

Veljko Paunovic has recently revealed that discussions are ongoing with a number of players over new contracts, but it is unclear as to whether Southwood is one of those holding talks with the club.

It seems unlikely that Southwood is going to have assurances that he'll start for Reading next season, especially if Rafael is still with the club. Therefore, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see him depart, as he looks to find regular game time elsewhere.