READING FC boss Paul Clement will decide whether he wants to make Tommy Elphick and Chris Martin’s loan deals permanent, writes Jim Tatum.

Clement has been given the green light by chief executive Ron Gourlay to determine the fates of the two loanees.

The 55-year-old believes the Royals boss is best placed to judge whether the two players warrant permanent deals, having seen enough of them in his seven weeks at the club.

“This is up to Paul to decide,” stated Gourlay.

“When you look at the change we made with eight games to go, the focus was on winning the games we had to win to keep us in the league.

“It gave Paul a chance to look at the players and it’s one advantage of bringing someone in at that stage, it gives you the ability to see what you have and what can work under big pressure.”

If Clement decides to make a move for the duo, the players would still have to agree personal terms in Berkshire.

Striker Martin failed to live up to expectations during his time at Madejski Stadium, scoring just once in 10 appearances.

Reading Chronicle:

Chris Martin scored once for Reading FC in 10 appearances.

He was mainly restricted to coming on as a substitute after struggling to assert himself as a key part of Stam or Clement’s short-term plans.

Meanwhile, Villa defender Elphick, made just four appearances after an injury-plagued start to life in the South East.

He played just twice under Clement, including in Reading’s 0-0 draw away to Cardiff on the final day which secured the Royals’ Championship status.

The experienced Brighton-born defender won promotion to the Premier League as part of Bournemouth’s title winning side in the 2014/15 season.

Royals have also been linked with a move for Chelsea FC midfielder Mason Mount, who spent last season on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.

Both Gourlay and Clement, who both have strong links at Stamford Bridge, could use their contacts to lure the 19-year-old to Madejski Stadium on a loan deal.