Rumoured Reading FC summer target Andre Gray is in "advanced talks" with Championship rivals Preston North End, according to reports.

The former Watford striker is out of contract after a five-year spell in Hertfordshire with the Hornets, spending last season on loan with Queens Park Rangers.

READ MORE: Reading FC interested in former Watford striker, according to reports

Scoring 10 goals at Loftus Road, FootyInsiders reported earlier this month that the Royals were one of three clubs looking to bring the former Brentford and Burnley star into their clubs.

However, it appears that the 30-year-old is going to none of the three originally reported clubs, with the same outlet now stating that the Lilywhites are in pole position to bring the Wolverhampton-born forward to Deepdale.

The report said: "Negotiations with Gray are progressing well and they are close to reaching an agreement."

This would be a blow for Paul Ince's Reading, with rumours circulating that both Lucas Joao and George Puscas could be off this window- leaving the club with no recognised first-team striker just weeks before pre-season begins.

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Under a transfer embargo, the free acquisition would have been perfect for Championship experience.

Former fan favourite Shane Long and Hungerford-born Charlie Austin are two other former Premier League strikers linked with a Berkshire move.