READING FC have been knocked back by Brentford in their attempt to sign Yoann Barbet.

Royals boss Jaap Stam has been chasing the 24-year-old defender for a number of weeks and his pursuit intensified when skipper Paul McShane suffered a torn hamstring in the 0-0 draw at Hull City last weekend.

Stam also faces the possibility of losing centre-back Liam Moore, who has been linked with a big-money move away during the January transfer window.

But the Bees – who visit the Madejski Stadium this Saturday (3pm ko) – say Reading’s offer for Barbet was nowhere near their own valuation.

And Brentford manager Dean Smith has also stressed the Championship club are not looking to sell the Frenchman during the January transfer window.

Stam is also eager to beef up his attack this month and this week confirmed his interest in Derby County striker, Chris Martin.

The 29-year-old has scored just once in 29 appearances this season and Rams could be willing to let him go after signing Cameron Jerome from Norwich City this week.

“I’ve read that,” admitted Stam. “All the strikers in the Championship and Premier League are always mentioned with us.

“Chris Martin has been mentioned and was also mentioned last season.

“Derby have now bought Cameron Jerome so maybe one of them can go out. He might be a possibility but we need to be sure that if we bring someone in they can make a difference.

“I’m not going to say he is or isn’t the one, but we are looking at what we can do.”

Reading Chronicle:

Jaap Stam has confirmed his interest in signing Derby County striker, Chris Martin.

However, Royals boss accepts that if he wants to bring in reinforcements, he may need to raise funds by cashing in on his crown jewels.

“If we want to do more (in the transfer window) then we might think about selling players,” admitted Stam.

“Liam (Moore) was left out of the squad on Saturday because of a knock to his knee.

“There’s been a lot of talk about interest in him which is normal given how he’s performed over the season.

“You don’t want to sell these types of players, you want to keep everybody on board.”

Stam has also been linked with Southampton full-back, Sam McQueen, 22, while Barnsley striker Tom Bradshaw remains a long-term target.

However, Royals boss has ended his interest in 20-year-old defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson whose loan spell at Leeds United was cancelled this week.

“He’s not on the list,” stated Royals’ boss “We need to be careful doing January transfers. We cannot do a lot, we are looking at two or three positions and to bring in extra players.”