READING FC are on the verge of bringing Nathaniel Chalobah back to the club on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Boss Steve Clarke identified the 20-year-old as one of his main targets this summer, but has had to be patient in his bid to land the talented midfielder.

Chalobah attracted interest from several Premier League clubs including Watford, but when those moves failed to materialise, Reading swooped to bring him back to the Madjeski Stadium for another loan spell.

The England Under-21 international made 20 appearances for Royals last season – scoring one goal at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

He played 105 minutes against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and ran Michael Hector close for Royals’ man of the match award.

Chalobah has a close relationship with Clarke and that played a big part in the deal which could be completed before the weekend.

The Chronicle also understands Reading are on the verge of signing Chalobah’s Chelsea teammate, Lucas Piazon.

The 21-year-old highly-rated Brazilian can play on the wing, behind the striker or in attack.

He spent time on loan at Malaga, Vitesse Arnhem and Eintracht Frankfurt in recent seasons and will give Clarke further options in midfield and up front.

The double deal would go a long way to finalising Reading’s squad for the season, with Clarke recently admitting he wanted three more players in before the transfer window shuts on at 6pm on Tuesday, September 1.

Meanwhile, Reading were given a boost in their pursuit of Robert Beric when Rapid Vienna crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday evening to Ukranian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

It means Beric could now be available for sale, though Sheffield Wednesday and Saint-Etienne are said to also be interested in the forward, who would cost around £3.5 million.