Reading FC boss Jose Gomes wants to bring in a striker before the transfer window closes

Gomes is keen to boost his side’s firepower for the Championship run in, with Royals still in the relegation zone and two points from safety.

Royals have scored just four times in the last eight games, one of which was an own goal by Nottingham Forest’s Jack Robinson in last weekend’s 2-0 home win.

But with top scorer Yakou Meite sidelined with an ankle injury and teenager Danny Loader still adapting to Championship football, Gomes is looking hard for reinforcements.

Gomes stated: “I hope we can bring in another player but, again, the solution is not with new players.

“The market is open, but my players are doing very well and they have been working very, very hard.

“This is the only way I know to achieve success. We must give our maximum in every training session and then results will follow.”

Media in France this week linked Royals with Saint Etienne forward, Loïs Diony.

The 26-year-old has spent the majority of his career at Dijon where he netted 27 times in 107 appearances.

He enjoyed a brief loan spell at Bristol City last season but did not score in seven games at Ashton Gate.

His record of four goals in 32 appearances with Saint Atienne in France’s Ligue 1 is hardly prolific, though he has been nursing injuries this season.

Unconfirmed reports in the French media yesterday stated Royals were showing a keen interest in the forward.

Gomes has made two signings this month with the capture of Liverpool Ovie Ejaria and Chelsea’s Lewis Baker on loan for the rest of the season.

Dave Edwards, Pelle Clement and Josh Sims have departed Madejski Stadium, while Ben House and Adrian Popa have been sent out on loan.

It is thought David Meyler, Marc McNulty, Vito Mannone and Sam Baldock have also been placed on the transfer list.

Meanwhile, Reading defender Tiago Ilori remains a target for his former club Sporting Lisbon.

Portuguese press suggest Royals have rejected a £1.5m offer for the ex-Liverpool centre-back but are refusing to give up.

Ilori, 25, came through the Sporting youth ranks before a reported £7m switch to Anfield in 2013.

He joined Reading for £3.5m two years ago and the club will be looking to recoup most of that fee, should they decide to sell.

Gomes played down the Ilori rumours, saying: “Big clubs ask for important players. If we have good players and the market is open we can understand clubs want important players.

“A lot of our players can have proposals from another club, we don’t know. I don’t know if Tiago is a rumour or if it’s true. I do know it’s normal for clubs to look at good players.

“But from what I have seen, Tiago is completely focussed on the team. The other things I don’t know.”

Reading have also been linked with Manchester United keeper Joel Pereira, though Gomes stressed: “I have given my idea to the board of directors. They have been working to find the solutions I ask the for.

“In the right moment when we get the solutions we will say so. Until then we just have to focus on working with the players we have.”