LIAM Moore has told Reading FC boss Paul Clement he wants to leave the club after he handed in a transfer request on Friday.

Clement confirmed the news while revealing Royals are close to announcing a new striker, subject to a medical.

Rumours surfaced on Friday that Moore has tried to force a move away from Berkshire after Royals rebuffed multiple bids from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Clement also revealed that Royals have accepted a fresh bid for George Evans and expect the 23-year-old midfielder to leave in the coming days.

Clement stated: "That is correct. [that Moore has handed in a transfer request].

"I'm hoping the situation is resolved quickly. He is a good player.

"I hope he stays.

"It's not ideal. If he stays it's great if he doesn't we'll have to bring in another good player. I'm positive we will have a good outcome from this.

"There are no surprises in football. He is one of the best players here. Certainly in my eight games here he was a standout individual.

"These situations hardly ever work out in an ideal way but we will manage it. We will be ready to act if we need to."

When pushed for an update on Royals' search for a new striker, Clement continued: "We are very close to announcing another player, subject to medical.

"Hopefully that will happen in the next couple of days.

"The window shuts in 10 days so that's the only permanent deal we'll do. Then we'll hopefully tap into that loan market.

"Hopefully we'll have between one and three new faces."

Royals finished their 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace with 10 men after Paul McShane was forced to withdraw.

Fans and players alike were left confused as to why George Evans was left on the bench when McShane came off, but Clement revealed Royals accepted a bid for the midfielder minutes before kick-off.

Clement refused to be drawn on a name for the incoming centre-forward, but would not deny when asked if it was Sam Baldock.

Royals have been closely linked with Baldock, of Brighton & Hove Albion, in recent weeks.

He also revealed that Sam Smith, Royals' top scorer in pre-season, will more than likely leave on loan once a new striker comes in.

Clement concluded: "It's a good possibility he'll go out on loan. He's had a good pre-season and worked hard, he's scored a couple of goals.

"But it's time for him to go and play regular football now and show that he can make the step up to this level and play regularly."