LE Havre striker Joseph Mendes is being linked with a move to Reading FC.

Royals boss Jaap Stam is desperate to beef up his attack for the forthcoming Championship season.

French media are now suggesting the 25-year-old striker is set to leave Ligue 2 Le Havre and is on his way to the Madejski Stadium.

Mendes grabbed nine goals and one assist last season as Le Havre missed out on promotion to the top flight to Metz on goal difference.

Stam is eager to strengthen up front following the summer departure of forwards Matej Vydra, Hal Robson-Kanu, Simon Cox and Lucas Piazon, while Nick Blackman was also sold to Derby County for £4 million in January while he was the club’s top scorer.

It is thought Reading narrowly missed out on free agent Anthony Koura, 23, who opted to remain in France and join Nancy after leaving Nimes last season.

Tim Matavz, who plays for German side Augsburg, is another possible target.

“We brought in two new players in Joey van den Derg and Danzell Gravenberch and with everyone still here at the moment, the midfield is looking good,” explained Stam.

“We have some quality strikers in Yann Kermorgant and Deniss Rakels. We also have Garath McCleary coming back as well as a few other players who can fill in that position.

“But up front we are still looking for players.”

In news that will delight Royals supporters, Stam also confirmed Academy graduate Dominic Samuel has a strong chance of being involved in the first team next season.

Samuel is likely to be in the squad this Saturday when Royals travel to Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park for their first pre-season fixture (3pm ko).

“Dom is training with us,” confirmed Stam. “I’ve heard Reading fans want to see him play so we will see. He’ll be performing in pre-season then we will make a decision.”

Meanwhile, Reading have missed out on attacking midfielder Kemar Roofe, who signed for Leeds United today.

Rowan Liburd has also left Royals after completing a permanent transfer to League Two outfit Stevenage for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old was signed by former boss Steve Clarke from Isthmian League outfit Billericay Town last year.

He started last season in the Under 21 squad and then made his first-team debut as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Cardiff.

The 6ft 3ins striker went on to make two more first-team appearances from the bench against Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

In March he joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan, making 10 appearances for the Chairboys during their League 2 run-in.

Liburd became Boro’s third summer signing and he tweeted: “Delighted to have signed for Stevenage, can’t wait to get going. Special thanks to Reading for helping me start my pro career.”

Royals midfielder Aaron Tshibola, 21, is expected to complete his £5 million move to Aston Villa before the end of the week.