READING FC will complete a club-record move for Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori for around £3m within the next 24 hours.

Royals assistant manager Andries Ulderink told today's press conference at Hogwood Park that a deal for the 23-year-old centre-back 'is almost done.'

It is thought Reading will now try and push the transfer through as quickly as possible and that he could feature against QPR at Madejski Stadium this Thursday night (8pm ko, live Sky Soprts).

Ulderink confirmed: “I have spoken to Brian Tevreden [director of football] and the paperwork is at an advanced stage, it is almost a done deal.

“Brian is waiting for something from Tiago's side and for Liverpool to sort out the last couple of things.

“I don't know the exact details, but it is almost done.”

The Chronicle understands the transfer has dragged on longer than expected due to the amount of cash Reading will pay up front and later in instalments.

Either way, Ilori's signing is certain to break Reading's previous transfer record of £2.5m for Nantes flop, Emerse Fae, in 2007.

The London-born Portuguese youth international was one of several defenders on Reading's radar, and Ulderink revealed he has seen little of him in the flesh.

“To be honest I only know him from the many clips I have seen,” he admitted. “We didn't focus on one option, but we have seen a lot of him on the laptop.

“He's a fast centre-back and he is good on the ball. He still has things to learn but he has a lot of potential.

“Hopefully he can adapt to our style and show his qualities.”

He added: “Our focus is more on developing our own style of playing, and winning is a big part of it.

“So we were looking mostly at defenders who could fit in with our style, as we did with Liam Moore.

“We had a couple of other options in mind, but Tiago is a quality player. We were not looking for a short-term option.

“We also had a run of five or six clean sheets recently, so we weren't thinking of players for the short-term, but players we can develop and take to the next level like Tyler Blackett.

“Players of that age are very interesting to us because we have the facilities and qualities here to develop them.

“Hopefully it will be done as quickly as possible so Tiago can join the group.”

Reading have been linked with a host of other players including Brentford striker Scott Hogan, though rumours of a £9m bid proved to be false.

Peterborough United midfielder Chris Forrester has also emerged as a target for Jaap Stam in the January transfer window along with Crystal Palace's out-of-favour Jordon Mutch.

As the Chronicle revealed last month, Aldershot Town whizzkid Idris Kanu is on Reading's radar and Stam has sent scouts to watch the 17-year-old midfielder on a number of occasions.

But Royals face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, who have also been chasing the former West Ham Academy starlet.

And Ulderink says they are not specifically looking to strengthen up front to boost the team's promotion push, with Royals sitting third in the Championship table.

“We are always looking for strikers, but I don't think so for the moment,” said the 47-year-old Dutchman.

“Deniss Rakels is coming back from injury and has done some things with the group. He could be back within four or five weeks.

“Joseph Mendes is also fit again, though he is back in France after becoming a father.

“Yakou Meite is developing very well so we're okay in terms of numbers.

“But like Tiago, we are also looking to the long term. We don't want to bring in players for two or three months, but those we can improve over time.”

He continued: “Historically, signing loads of players in the winter injures your team building process. When players join in January something happens within your team and the way you want to play.

“The process takes time, and we don't really believe in bringing in three or four players like that.

“Really good players from Premier League level cost big money and we don't have that. It's important to be careful.”