NELSON Oliveira is edging closer to a move to Reading FC.

The Norwich City misfit and long-time Royals target is on the verge of signing a loan deal for the remainder of the campaign to boost Jose Gomes’ options up front.

Oliveira, 27, is yet to make an appearance for the Canaries this season following an alleged fall-out with manager Daniel Farke. 

Gomes spoke of his admiration for his Portuguese countryman after last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Derby County.

“I know this player very well,” said the former Rio Ave manager.

“In Portugal at one time everybody thought he could be our first striker in the national team, but this season he’s not playing.”

Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Swansea City had also been linked with Oliveira, who was a £5m signing from Benfica in August 2016.

It is believed the player has already undergone a medical at Reading’s Hogwood Park training ground and an official announcement is expected soon.

Meanwhile, media in Portugal suggest the future of Royals defender Tiago Ilori also looks uncertain amid reports of a failed £1.5m bid from his former club Sporting Lisbon.

Lisbon newspaper A Bola says Ilori is keen to make the move, but the clubs cannot agree on a transfer fee for the 25-year-old, who joined Reading from Liverpool for around £3.5m two years ago.

Reading’s out-of-favour striker Marc McNulty remains a target for League One promotion-chasing Sunderland, while Wigan Athletic recently failed with a reported £450,000 bid for defender Tyler Blackett.