READING FC have made a club record bid of £9m for in-demand forward Scott Hogan, according to reports.

Boss Jaap Stam has been heavily linked with the Brentford striker in recent weeks, and rumours suggest the Dutchman has finally made his move.

It is claimed that a Royals takeover by a Chinese brother and sister is nearing completion, and Stam is set to splash the cash once the deal is confirmed by the Football League.

Hogan has been linked with several other clubs ahead of the January transfer window, with Aston Villa also thought to be in the running for the frontman.

And Hogan, who has scored 13 goals so far this campaign, recently told the media he has ambitions to play in the Premier League.

He joined the Bees from Rochdale in 2014, in a deal reported to be worth around £750,000, but suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament on his debut.

Hogan has gone on to score 20 goals in his injury-hit spell at Griffin Park, making 30 appearances.

The Royals have also been linked with a move for out-of-favour Crystal Palace midfielder Jordan Mutch and young Aldershot Town starlet Idris Kanu.

Meanwhile, Stam has confirmed John Swift could come into the reckoning for the Boxing Day home clash against Norwich City (3pm ko).

The former Chelsea midfielder has been sidelined for around five weeks after picking up an injury on England Under 21 duty.

Stam explained: “He has been starting to train outside this week. We need to have a look this week at how far he is and what he can do, and if it is reasonable for him to join in with the squad for the game against Norwich.

“Everybody knows how he is as a player and what he can do, because he has proven himself when he was fit and playing for us.

"He is an important player for the squad – he has got certain qualities.  Other players have done well in his position when he was injured as well, so we need to keep that in mind as well.

“We need to think about what the most sensible thing is for us – whether that’s to involve him, or to wait another week to get him back into good shape to start again.”

Danny Williams is also available for selection after serving a three-match ban.