READING FC are closing in on a deal for a new striker, which will see Sam Smith join Oxford United on loan.

Paul Clement confirmed he hopes to have a move for a second striker wrapped up this week while Royals take part in a pre-season training camp in Austria.

As exclusively revealed by the Reading Chronicle recently, the deal will see Sam Smith head out on loan, with several League One and Championship clubs keen on the talented young striker.

But Oxford United are leading the pack to sign Smith, who is currently in Austria with the rest of Royals' first-team, until the end of next season.

And boss Karl Robinson stated a deal will be wrapped up within the next 48 hours.

He said: “Hopefully we’ll have news on two more by Monday or Tuesday.

“We should have had a striker in on Friday.

“A club has given me their word, the agent has given me his word, I’ve spoken to the player and he’s desperate to come.

“It’s just crossing the t’s and dotting the I’s.”

Royals have already secured the signing of former Coventry City striker Marc McNulty, who joined for a fee believed to have been around £1.2m.

But Paul Clement wants another centre-forward to join McNulty and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson at Madejski Stadium.

Reading released Yann Kermorgant from his contract a year early after the Frenchman was told he was surplus to requirements in Berkshire.

More follows.