READING FC are plotting a bid for Celtic right-back Saidy Janko, reports suggest.

Janko, a Manchester United Academy product, spent last season on loan at Championship rivals Barnsley and helped the Tykes consolidate their place in the second tier.

The pacey 21-year-old Janko began the last campaign with the Scottish champions under the watch of former Royals boss Brendan Rodgers.

He helped Celtic qualify for the group stages of the Champions League before a dramatic deadline day switch to Oakwell in August.

Janko was limited to just 14 Championship appearances due to an injury-plagued campaign, but his performances caught the eye of several Championship bosses including manager Jaap Stam having featured for the Tykes in a 2-1 home defeat to Royals last September.

It is thought several clubs are chasing Janko's signature, with Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City and Reading leading the pack.

Janko scored on his debut for Barnsley against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September last year, running at the heart of the defence before crashing a sensational shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty area.

Janko scored Barsnley's third goal in an emphatic 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Royals are short of cover for vice-captain Chris Gunter, with the inexperienced Tennai Watson the only natural replacement should the Welshman be ruled out through injury.

And reports suggest Switzerland Under-21 international Janko could be tempted with a move away from Parkhead in a bid for regular first-team football.

His opportunities in Scotland could be limited next season with Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa ahead of him in the Celtic pecking order.

Stam has already been linked with Spanish striker Angel who hit 21 goals for Real Zaragoza last season.

But Royals boss could have a fight on his hands to keep hold of defender Liam Moore and midfielder Liam Kelly following interest from Burnley and Swansea City respectively.

Reading are also sweating on the future of out-of-contract midfielder Danny Williams, though the club hope the 27-year-old will sign a new deal at Madejski Stadium.