READING FC failed with a late deadline-day bid for Aston Villa's Gabby Agbonlahor.

The 29-year-old striker is reported to have rejected a loan move to Madejski Stadium late on Wednesday.

If the rumours are true, it would be the second blow boss Jaap Stam has suffered in his search for a new striker in a matter of days.

On Tuesday, Ghana captain and ex-Sunderland forward Asamoah Gyan, 30, failed a medical with the Royals.

When that move broke down, Stam is said to have turned his attention to Agbonlahor, only for the ex-England frontman to turn down the chance of a new start under the Dutchman.

Royals were also linked with a deadline-day swoop for Partizan striker Valeri Bojinov, 30, but it is not known how strong their interest was in the Bulgarian striker.

It means Reading will fight on in the Championship with Yann Kermorgant as their number one hitman and Joseph Mendes, Dominic Samuel and Yakou Meite in support.

Stam had hoped to bolster his attack with a new addition after Deniss Rakels was ruled for most of the season with a broken ankle.

But the Chronicle understands the ex-Manchester United defender was reluctant to make a panic buy and would rather press on with what he's got.

Meanwhile, Academy graduates Jack Stacey, Tariqe Fosu and Dom Hyam have been allowed out on loan.

Fosu has joined Colchester United, Stacey has signed for Exeter City and Hyam has gone to Portsmouth, all of League Two and all until January.

Elsewhere, Hal Robson-Kanu sealed a return to the Premier League after signing a three-year contact at West Brom.

The 27-year-old is reunited with ex-Royals director of football Nick Hammond, who took up a similar role at the Hawthorns last season.

Robson-Kanu allowed his contract With Royals to run down earlier this summer, before playing a key role in Wales' Euro 2016 success.

He joins the Baggies as a free agent.

Chelsea's Lucas Piazon, who spent last season at Reading on loan, has joined Fulham until January.