READING FC are being linked with a move for Norwich City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The Chronicle understands Royals are attempting to sign the 26-year-old Dutchman before the transfer window shuts at 6pm on Tuesday.

Reading were linked with the Holland international last season and it appears boss Steve Clarke remains a big admirer.

Van Wolkswinkel spent last season on loan at Saint Etienne after struggling to hold down a place in Norwich City's first team.

He scored five goals in 24 appearances for the French club but has since returned to the Canaries.

It is thought Royals will now offer van Wolfswinkel the chance to relaunch his career at the Madejski Stadium, though a number of rival Championship clubs are also showing interest.

Clarke is eager to bring in reinforcements up front following Pavel Pogrebnyak's unexpected departure last week.

The Russian, who scored 24 goals in 93 league appearances for the Royals, had one year remaining on his contact, but has now penned a three-year deal with Dynamo Moscow.

Clarke also looks certain to miss out on his main transfer target with Robert Beric poised to leave Rapid Vienna, ironically for Saint Etienne.

The 25-year-old Slovenia international plundered 28 goals in 37 league games last season to fire the Austrian side into the Champions League qualifiers.

It is believed Royals have already had one bid of around £3.5 million rejected by Rapid Vienna, and reports suggest Beric will join Saint Etienne this week.

Nevertheless, it appears Clarke has been given the green light by the club's Thai owners to strengthen his squad before the transfer deadline, and Chelsea's 21-year-old Brazilian attacker, Lucas Piazon, could be another target, as revealed in last week's Chronicle.

Reading FC co-chairperson, Lady Sasima Srivikorn, confirmed last week: “There are still plans for signings. My friend is flying all over the world looking, they are not easy to find, and everyone wants good players.

“Their [strikers] price is unbelievable, we want to find the right one and we are still looking. But buying players is not the only answer.

“I am not a football expert but you need to bring them together, get their spirit up and have cohesion in the squad and I am sure Steve is doing that.

“If investors are buying more players it is not the only answer. I know the fans like to see new players, but they have to be really good. Our football department are working for the best players for our investment, which is not easy.”

Meanwhile, Reading have failed in their attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder, Nathanial Chalobah, on loan for a second time.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season at the Madesjki Stadium and Clarke was eager to bring him back for another stint.

But reports suggest Chalobah was in Naples on Sunday night and will join Seria A outfit, Napoli, on loan.