READING FC striker Marc McNulty is being linked with a move to Sunderland.

McNulty is out of favour at Madejski Stadium and has been placed on the transfer list by boss Jose Gomes along with David Meyler and Vito Mannone.

Dave Edwards was also on the list but has already joined Shrewsbury Town on a permanent deal.

McNulty has made only 15 appearances this season and scored one goal in a 2-2 draw with Stoke on December 1.

He last featured for the Royals in the 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield United on December 8.

It is now believed League One promotion-chasing Sunderland are keen on signing the 26-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season.

McNulty joined Royals from Coventry City last summer for around £1m after bagging 23 goals in 42 League Two appearances for Sky Blues during the 2017/18 campaign.

The Scotsman penned a four-year deal at Madejski Stadium but has struggled to nail down a regular starting role under former manager Paul Clement and now Gomes.

Gomes is still hoping to bring in at least one more player in the January transfer window after capturing Liverpool Ovie Ejaria and Chelsea’s Lewis Baker on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Portuguese boss told yesterday’s press conference: “I know we are working very hard to bring in the players we need. The board of directors are trying to find the best solutions within Financial Fair Play.

“I think within a couple of days we will have good news.”

He also confirmed more players are likely to depart the club this month following Josh Sims, Adrian Popa, Pelle Clement, Ben House and Edwards.

“Everything is mixed," he stated. "We talk about Financial Fair Play, so if you are paying the salaries of 40 players you are at your limit, so it’s impossible to spend more money unless you get some out. In the right time we will let people know.”

Reading defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 last weekend for their Championship win in 11 matches.

This Saturday they travel to Pride Park to face Derby County (3pm ko).