PROMISING Reading FC striker is being chased by a number of clubs, including Oxford United.

Chronicle sources revealed several Sky Bet Championship and League One clubs have asked about the hitman's availability.

However, Royals are only willing to let their young talent leave the club on loan if they can bring in a striker themselves.

Coventry City striker Marc McNulty is on Paul Clement's radar and the Sky Blues have already knocked back multiple bids for the 28-goal forward.

Mark Robins announced that City have offered McNulty, known to supporters as 'Sparky', a new contract at Ricoh Arena, but the former Bradford City striker is yet to sign the deal.

Another source told the Chronicle that McNulty is keen to make the switch to Madejski Stadium but Royals are yet to meet Coventry's valuation of the player.

Reading have also been linked with moves for CSKA Sofia striker Fernando Karanga and Genoa forward David Milinkovic.

Boss Paul Clement confirmed he wants to bring in two strikers before the transfer window slams shut in August.

Now, it has emerged that Manchester-born Smith, who burst onto the scene at Reading last season, is a target for several teams.

It is believed that Oxford United, who are now owned by Royals' former majority shareholder Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth, are one of the sides interested in the 20-year-old.

United boss Karl Robinson told the Chronicle's sister paper, The Oxford Mail: "We have got two deals done.

"One team needs to buy a striker before we can have their striker on loan."

Oxford snapped up Smith's fellow Reading FC academy graduate, Rob Dickie, on a permanent deal last season.