SONE Aluko is poised to join Reading FC for a club-record transfer fee, thought to be around £7.5m, it has been revealed.

Royals boss Jaap Stam has chased the 28-year-old forward all summer and admitted the Nigerian international is one of two players on his radar along with Norwich City striker Nelson Oliveira after Saturday’s 2-0 win at Birmingham City.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic recently stated it would be a 'big mistake' if the Fulham heirarchy agreed to sell Aluko but it is understood the club's board deemed Royals' offer was too good to turn down.

Aluko was finally given permission to speak to Reading and the player underwent a medical in Berkshire earlier today, the Chronicle understands.

An official annoucement of the signing is expected to be made in the next 24 hours.

The reported fee of £7.5m will eclipse the £4m Royals forked out to bring Tiago Ilori to Madejski Stadium in January, making Aluko the club's most expensive player of all time.

Stam is a big fan of the 28-year-old, and recently stated: “We’re always looking for players who can make us better.

“Oliveira is a great striker - he can be a big asset for us. And it’s the same for Aluko.

“He is the type of player I think can make the squad better and give us something different. But it’s not up to me.”

Stam made his sixth summer signing on Saturday after landing Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards for around £1m on a two-year contract.

With Aluko now on board, Stam will turn his focus on bringing an out-and-out centre-forward to Berkshire before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Thursday, it is believed.

Royals had been strongly linked with Preston striker Jordan Hugill following reports of a failed £8m bid last week.

But Stam faces stiff competition from the likes of Leeds United and Wolves.

Hugill, 25, handed in a transfer request earlier today but it was immediately rejected by Preston, who insist the striker will not be leaving Deepdale during this transfer window.