READING FC are close to signing Polish striker Deniss Rakels, according to reports in his home country.

The 23-year-old is hot property in Europe after bagging 15 goals in 20 games for Cracovia Kraków this season.

The likes of Belgian side Brugge plus a couple of Bundesliga clubs are also tracking the forward who represented Latvia at youth levels and has 15 senior international caps.

Media in Poland are now reporting he is set to join the Royals for around £400,000.

If the deal goes through he will become Reading's third January signing following the arrival of Yann Kermorgant from Bournemouth and George Evans from Manchester City.