READING FC have stepped up their interest in Bournemouth striker Yann Kermorgant, writes Anthony Smith.

Boss Brian McDermott believes the Cherries frontman will be the ideal replacement for top scorer Nick Blackman, who was sold to Derby County for £4 million last week.

Royals are rumoured to have held talks with the Premier League Cherries earlier this week, though a fee has not been agreed.

The Chronicle understands Bournemouth will not stand in Kermorgant's way as he has dropped down the pecking order following the arrival of frontmen Benik Afobe, Lewis Grabban and Juan Iturbe.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe told the Bournemouth Echo: “I don’t want to hold players here if they are not happy. I very much believe in trying to help them in what they see for their future.”

Kermorgant netted 17 goals in 42 games last season to help Bournemouth land the Championship title.

However, the 34-year-old Frenchman has made only 10 appearances this season, scoring once in a Capital One Cup win against Hartlepool.

McDermott ideally likes to sign younger players, but he acknowledged that adding experience to the squad has also worked in the past, most notably when he landed Jason Roberts from Blackburn Rovers in January 2012 and went on to win the Championship title a few months later.

Royals boss said: “I always talk about the today, but you have to consider players we want to develop in the future. We've done that at this club over a long period of time.

“Aaron Tshibola, Jordan Obita and a number of Academy players come into that category. We have to develop them as our own players.

“So if we can sign one or two younger players to develop then great.

He added: “There may also be a case for bringing in an older head like we have done before.

“The best example I can give would be Jason Roberts.

“He came in at a time when we were doing well and he added something to the mix.

“If a player like that becomes available we think is right for us, I would certainly take him.

“We haven't got anyone in yet but we will see what happens, but there are plenty of days left in the window.

"If we're tring to do deals, which we possibly are, we need to get them over the line.

“Nick Hammond [director of football] gets involved and does his stuff like he has done for years and years.

“Let's hope we can do one or two things.”

Reading have also been linked with Peterborough United's Conor Washington, Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle and Rangers forward Martyn Waghorn.

Royals are believed to have seen a £3m bid for Washington knocked back by Posh last week.

McDermott's men hope to build on Tuesday's 1-1 draw at high-flying Derby County when they go to struggling MK Dons this Saturday (3pm ko).