Reading FC summer preview including transfers, issues to address and targets

Omar Richards, Liam Kelly and John Swift. Credit: Eddie Greville

As Reading FC's season comes to a close, eyes turn towards the club's summer plans.

Manager Paul Clement has only been in the job just over a month but has guided the club to two wins and a draw in his six games in charge.

That points tally has given them a fighting chance of staying up and with two games left, Royals remain in control of their Championship status.

But whatever division they end up in for 2018/19, there is likely to be a number of changes over the summer to freshen things up.

Here is a closer look at some of the key issues which need to be addressed.

Who they need to keep

Royals winger Mo Barrow. Credit: Eddie Greville

Liam Moore - passionate, committed and eager to improve every week. Royals will be hoping to get a few more years out of him at least.

John Swift - if he can get back to his peak after a season blighted by injuries he will be a real asset to Reading with his creativity and eye for goals.

Mo Barrow - has arguably been the club's greatest attacking threat this season with his pace, trickery and sharp finishing.

Who they need to lose

Joey van den Berg's time at Reading FC should be up. Credit: Eddie Greville

Joey van den Berg - generally been poor this season and tends to slow play down when in possession. Clement has only used him sparingly so far.

Tyler Blackett - has had a poor season and most likely to be a substitute at best with others ahead of him in the pecking order.

Anssi Jaakkola - was rather shaky when he was in the first team and a new goalkeeper could help push Mannone who has had an up and down season.

What they have to address

Where do we start? We're not quite at the stage of a completely new team but it's not far off. The nucleus of a good team is there and - if kept fit - they could be more than a match for anyone in the division, as they showed in 2016/17.

Goalkeeper - Mannone's position as the no.1 is pretty safe but a reliable back-up should help him reach the next level.

Defence - a couple of defenders would be good with sloppy goals a key feature this season. The return of Jordan Obita will help this.

Wingers - a right winger should be a priority with Sone Aluko extremely poor this season. And with Adrian Popa away on loan and Garath McCleary and Callum Harriott both injured, it's an area Clement must focus on.

Attack - a clinical goalscorer would be useful as with all of Reading's attackers, none are able to find the net on a regular basis.

Who they need to target

On loan defender Tommy Elphick. Credit: Eddie Greville

On loan defender Tommy Elphick would be a good start. Someone who knows the place already and is a leader from the back.

A reliable Championship striker such as Gary Hooper, Patrick Bamford or Martyn Waghorn is also required to help address the lack of goals.

Is the current manager the right man going forward?

It's still too early to judge Clement but the signs are encouraging. A good pre-season will help both on and off the field but the proof will ultimately be the start of next season.

Overall prospects

If it is the Championship then it really is anyone's guess. Given the nature of the league, Royals could well make a stab at a top-six spot or be fighting relegation once again.

If it's League One, it will depend on a lot of changes over the summer but a top-half finish would be likely.

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