READING FC could be set for more departures before Thursday’s transfer deadline with Marc McNulty attracting interest from Hibernian.

The out-of-favour Royals striker had been linked with a return to Coventry City along with League One promotion-chasing Sunderland.

But reports north of the border this morning say the 26-year-old Scotsman is now a target for Edinburgh-based Hibs.

With Reading defender Tiago Ilori close to re-joining Sporting Lisbon and reports suggesting Nottingham Forest have bid £500,000 for Tyler Blackett, it looks like being another eventful week at Madejski Stadium for boss Jose Gomes.

McNulty, who was released by Hibs at the age of 16, knocked in 28 goals for Coventry City last season leading to a £1.5m move to Reading.

But the Edinburgh-born forward has failed to hold down a regular first-team spot under former manager Paul Clement and now Gomes.

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.

Reading midfielder Liam Kelly could also be poised for a move before Thursday’s 11pm deadline following fresh links with Italian side Udinese.

Reading Chronicle:

Liam Kelly could be poised for a move to Serie A with Udinese.

The 23-year-old midfielder has dropped down the pecking order since the arrival of Gomes last month and has not featured since the 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United on January 5.

It is thought Gomes has told the Royals Academy graduate that he is free to leave on loan in order to secure regular first-team football.

He has not travelled with the squad to Bolton for tonight’s massive relegation six-pointer against Phil Parkinson’s Trotters (8pm ko).

In addition, Royals are looking to off-load transfer-listed Vito Mannone and David Meyler.

Gomes wants to move one goalkeeper on as he now has four on his books following the capture of Arsenal’s Emiliano Martinez last week, with Mannone the most likely candidate to depart.

Central midfielder Meyler, 29, is also looking for a new club after making just five appearance for Reading this season, the last in a 2-1 home defeat by Sheffield Wednesday on September 1.

Portuguese boss Gomes has brought in five loan signings this month – Ovie Ejaria (Liverpool), Lewis Baker (Chelsea), Nelson Oliveira (Norwich), Matt Miazga (Chelsea) and Martinez.

Royals are also being linked with a surprise move for Benfica midfielder and former QPR star, Adel Taarabt.

The 29-year-old is struggling for games for Benfica and reports in Portugal suggest the club is willing to cancel his contract to allow him to move elsewhere.

Gomes could now utilise his contacts in his homeland to make an audacious swoop for the the mercurial player. 

Those players to have exited Reading this month are Dave Edwards (Shrewsbury), Pele Clement (Zwolle), Josh Sims (Southampton), Axel Andressson (Viking), Adrian Popa (Ludogorets, loan), Luke Southwood (Eastleigh, loan), Ben House (Swindon, loan), Lewis Ward (Forest Green Rovers, loan) and Darren Sidoel (KSV Roeselare, loan).

USA international striker Andrija Novakovic is also on loan at Dutch outfit Fortuna Sittard for the current season.