READING FC have taken Spanish midfielder Javier Matilla on trial.

The 27-year-old is a free agent and will spend this week training with the Royals.

He is based at Madejski Stadium hotel where he was spotted using the gym equipment at the weekend before watcing Reading's 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

Matilla has been sidelined for a year with a cruciate ligament injury that forced Real Betis to terminate his contract early.

He played 16 times for the Spanish club last season, scoring one goal. He started his career with Villarreal and also enjoyed a loan spell at Murcia, scoring 12 times in 34 appearances.

In all he has played 51 times in La Liga and Reading will now now take a closer look at the former Spain Under 21 international, with a series of practice matches planned for this week.

Meanwhile, reports also suggest Latvia striker Deniss Rakels is set for a medical this week.

The 23-year-old is hot property in Europe after bagging 15 goals in 20 games for Cracovia Kraków in the Polish top flight 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 before next Monday's transfer deadline.

Reading have made two signings in January signing following the arrival of Yann Kermorgant from Bournemouth and George Evans from Manchester City.

But it appears out-of-favour Orlando Sa could be set for a loan move after dropping down the pecking order.

Maccabi Tel Aviv and AEK Athens have been strongly linked with the 27-year-old striker, and McDermott confirmed: “I've had  a few calls regarding one of two players who might go out on loan. There is interest in Orlando.

“We'll have to watch that space, but we have more options now with Yann coming in.

“There's no agenda, it is what it is. I'm playing with a really good striker at the moment, runners off him and a number 10.

“I'm just trying to find a solution and the best way for our players to play. There are no agendas in any of it, we'll just see what happens.”

He added: “It's harsh. I've been her a month but my gut feeling is what it is, and I go on gut feeling and what's right for the group.

“I have no problem with Orlando, he's been great. He's a good guy, he works hard in training and when he's picked he does his best.

“There is no problem with him as a person and I'd like to think we have a good relationship because I try to have a good relationship with all the players.

“It's never easy being a manager when you are trying to manager 25 or 30 players.

“But I tell the players that you can't pick more than 11 for a game. Everyone has a different view about what the team should be and I do the best I can every day for the good of the game.”