READING FC are believed to have failed with a fresh bid for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Tomer Hemed.

Seagulls are thought to have turned down a new offer from the Royals, having rejected a £4m bid last month.

The Brighton Argus reports that Reading are one of two clubs chasing the 30-year-old Israel international who was a substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Leicester.

But sources suggest Seagulls boss Chris Hughton is reluctant to sell the striker as he is short of options up front, with ex-Royals loanee Glenn Murray currently carrying most of the burden.

Hughton has been trying to sign Cardiff City’s Kenneth Zohore for a reported £10m but is yet to strike a deal with the early Championship leaders.

Royals boss Jaap Stam is keen to strengthen his attack while last season’s 19-goal top-scorer Yann Kermorgant recovers from hip and groin surgery.

Stam has made Wolves forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson one of his five summer signings, but the Dutchman clearly feels he needs to add more firepower before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Homer has scored 28 goals in 81 league games for Brighton including 15 last season after joining from Almeria in 2015.

Meanwhile, Stam has been linked with former Benfica loan winger Ola John, though the Chronicle understands there is little truth in the rumour at this stage.

Preston North End midfielder Ben Pearson is also said to be on Stam's radar having featured in their 1-0 home win against Reading on Saturday.