Reading manager Paul Ince hopes to have former Huddersfield Town defender Naby Sarr signed up before the match with Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday.

A long-running transfer saga, the centre-back has been with the club for multiple weeks now but the EFL are still holding up the deal.

Conceding four to newly-promoted Rotherham United on Saturday, the Royals are now have the joint-worst defence in the Championship- letting in six during their first three matches.

READ MORE: Every word from Reading FC manager after Rotherham United defeat

With the likes of Sam Hutchinson and Scott Dann out, the makeshift backline includes full-back Andy Yiadom playing in central defence and a young pair of Tom McIntyre and Tom Holmes- with winger Junior Hoilett one of the wing-backs.

Speaking to the media after the game, the former England captain insists he needs 'men' to bolter his team.

"You look at the way play, and you need a man in there," he stated. "We need people that are strong. Second half they came out and to keep a clean sheet is a positive note.

Hopefully Naby will be done by Wednesday, I’m still waiting to speak with Bow [Mark Bowen] to see where we are but its getting frustrating." 

Additionally to the 28-year-old, Ince added that "we might need another one in there to be fair", alluding to a potential shift in priority.

Still with only one first team left-back, the hunt is still on.

Nesta Guinness-Walker arrived last month and has played the full 90 minutes in every game this season, but the boss wants more.

Speaking ahead of the trip to the New York Stadium, Ince revealed that one was in the pipeline.

READ MORE: Reading FC loanee 'not looking good' after Celtic injury

"We're waiting for someone to give us the nod so we can get this player because we're relying on another club - a Premier League club.

"These clubs are like let's wait until the end of the window then we'll make a decision. But we want to get him in now and playing.

"So you're controlled by the Premier League club so if you want a player on loan, you're controlled by then as to when they want to release him, and that's
what we are waiting for.

"As soon as we get the nod, hopefully it'll be next week, then we can have him so fingers crossed."