READING FC could be in the hands of a new owner before the end of the week as Samrit Bunditkitsada’s takeover nears its conclusion.

The Thai billionaire is set to buy 90% of the club from chairman Sir John Madejski for around £25 million.

The 39-year-old is currently going through The Football League’s Owners and Directors Test and it is believed that process is drawing to a close.

Once the investigation is over Bunditkitsada will be given to green light to complete his buyout of the club and allow boss Nigel Adkins to sign new players.

He has already delivered a direct message to Royals supporters on Facebook, promising to back Adkins in the transfer market.

Speaking recently, director of football Nick Hammond said: “There is a period of work to get through. But the group is very interested and they are very keen to understand the thoughts of myself and the manager regarding the first team, and what the ideal plan would be for us going forward.”

Reading have signed no players this summer so far but did release five senior players after captain Jobi McAnuff, Mikele Leigertwood, Kaspars Gorkss, the now-retired Wayne Bridge and goalkeeper Stuart Taylor, now with Leeds United, were let go when their contracts expired.

In addition, enigmatic Dutchman Royston Drenthe claimed he is set to leave the Madejski Stadium on social media last week.

Rumours are also rife that Royals winger Gareth McCleary is a major target of West Brom, who also signed ex-Reading player Chris Baird this week.

McCleary, 27, has 12 months remaining on his contract and is also being tracked by Burnley and Derby County.

In a strange twist, Nottingham Forest – the club he left to join Reading two seasons ago – could also attempt to re-sign the pacy winger.

However, Adkins has a wish list of his own and the completion of Bunditkitsada’s takeover would allow him to step up his pursuit of his own targets.

Cardiff City forward Joe Mason is believed to be on Adkins’ radar as Royals boss is eager to strengthen in attack having sold Adam Le Fondre to the Bluebirds for £2.5 million.

Mason, 23, can operate as a striker or an attacking midfielder, though Bolton Wanderers have also been linked with the £1.5 million-rated player who joined the Bluebirds from Plymouth in 2011.

He has made only 35 appearances for the Welsh club and looks surplus to requirements given their abundance of attacking riches.

Reading are now stepping up their pre-season training in preparation for their opening friendly at Exeter on Tuesday, July 15.

Royals host Swansea City in a showpiece friendly at Madejski Stadium on Saturday, August 2, with the Sky Bet Championship season starting a week later with a trip to Wigan.