ANTON Zingarevich is on course to complete his takeover of Reading FC before the end of the month.

The Russian purchased a 51% stake in the club for around £25 million from chairman Sir John Madejski in May 2012 through his Thames Sports Investment company.

And Zingarevich and TSI are poised to stump up close to another £20 million to acquire the remaining 49% of the club from Sir John before September 30.

The date, however, is not set in stone and could run into October.

The deal is not expected to encounter any hitches meaning Zingarevich, 30, will become the sole owner of the club.

Sir John, who rescued the Royals from possible extinction in 1990, will stay on as chairman until next year when he will become club president.

Meanwhile, Reading boss Nigel Adkins is still on the hunt for a loan striker to boost his side’s firepower.

He has been strongly linked with a reunion with out-of-favour Southampton forward Billy Sharp.

But is it thought Sharp’s wages are a sticking point, with Saints demanding Royals pay most of his hefty salary.

Adkins, though, has ended his interest in free transfer Momo Sissoko.

The ex-Liverpool and Juventus midfielder held talks with the Royals last month following his release by Paris Saint Germain. But Royals cannot afford the midfielder’s wages.

Meanwhile, Reading hope to build on last night's 1-0 win over Brian McDermott's Leeds United when they travel to Derby County this Saturday (3pm ko).

Pavel Pogrebnyak will return return to suspension after serving a one-match ban.