PAOLO Hurtado is on the verge of making a major announcement about his future as he edges closer to a Reading FC exit.

Royals' winger has been on loan with Portuguese top-flight club Vitória de Guimarães since January 2016 after failing to impress at Madejski Stadium.

The 26-year-old was signed by former boss Steve Clarke from Portuguese outfit Paços de Ferreira in August 2015.

But after making just six first team appearances he was allowed to leave Berkshire to the amazement of many fans.

His initial loan with Vitória in 2016 lasted from January until the end of the season.

The Peru international then extended his loan for another full season, with Vitória now favourites to sign him permanently despite recent interest from West Ham and Bournemouth.

Hurtado, who has one year left on his contract with Reading, told media in Portugal: "I'm talking to my agent to make a good decision. I want to go where I can play and where my family can be happy.

"In Portugal I did well, but I'll wait this week to define where I'm going to play."

Royals boss Jaap Stam is keen to offload many of his fringe players in order to rebuild his squad and is keen to get Hurtado off the wage bill.

A number of squad players have already been loaned out in order to gain valuable match experience, with 21-year-old striker Yakou Meite joining French Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard last week on a season-long deal.

Reading Chronicle:

Yakou Meite has returned to France on loan for the season.

Before that Danzell Gravenberch was sent to KSV Roeselare in Belgium on loan while Under 23 striker Andrija Novakovich has been loaned to Telstar in Holland.

In addition, Lichtenstein midfielder Sandro Wieser has been told he is free to leave the Royals, while Academy graduates Niall Keown, Jack Stacey, Tariqe Fosu and Zak Jules turned down a new deals in order to play regular games with other clubs.

On top of that, former Academy players Craig Tanner and Aaron Kuhl were released after their contracts were not renewed.

But the biggest disappointment over the summer for many Reading supporters was Danny Williams' decision to reject a new contract to join Premier League Huddersfield Town, the team who conquered Stam's men in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May.

The 28-year-old USA international said his farewells last week in an emotional message to Royals fans.