BRIGHTON and Hove Albion have held talks about the sale of Sam Baldock, with Reading FC hot on his tail, it has emerged.

According to the Brighton Argus, Albion and Baldock are weighing up a potential transfer for the out-of-favour frontman.

The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Amex Stadium and his first-team opportunities are likely to be limited under Chris Hughton next season.

Baldock has played a part of Albion’s training camp in Austria – where Paul Clement’s Royals are also preparing for the season ahead.

The former Bristol City man scored 20 goals in 89 Championship appearances for Brighton but has failed to find the net in any of his five Pemier League outings.

Royals have already added Marc McNulty to their ranks but are keen on bringing in another striker after Yann Kermorgant was told to leave the club and Chris Martin returned to Derby after an unsuccessful loan spell.

Meanwhile, Sam Smith, who has hit a fine run of form in pre-season, is expected to be loaned out to Oxford United to continue his development.

Royals also expect midfielder George Evans to leave the club in the coming days after they accepted a six-figure bid from League One side Sunderland AFC.