Reading have eight unattached players training ahead of a pre-season friendly against European giants Benfica, the Reading Chronicle understand.

Winning their opening friendly 2-0 against Colchester United, they now face the 37 time Portugese top-flight winners.

The stars currently not under contract with the Royals but available to play are:

  • Grant Ward
  • Connor Wickhamย 
  • Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill
  • Julian Jeanvier
  • Sam Hutchinson
  • Jacob Davenport
  • Jodi Jones
  • Josh Murphy

One star, Tyrese Fornah, has already signed on the dotted line- agreeing a one-year loan from Nottingham Forest.

Following the week long stay at St George's Park, friendlies against Maidenhead United, West Ham United, Wimbledon and Brighton ahead of the opening Championship match against Blackpool.