READING FC boss Jose Gomes has given a revealing transfer update before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

He confirmed Royals are still trying to tie up some last-minute deals, but that nothing is certain at this stage.

Gomes was reluctant to give too much away at Hogwood Park this afternoon.

But he did talk openly about a number of players whose futures look uncertain.

The big talking point was Leandro Bacuna who was on the verge of joining Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City on a four-year deal.

The deal has since been confirmed by Royals and the Bluebirds.


Striker Yakou Meite has also been linked with a return to France with Amiens SC.

Yakou Meite and Leandro Bacuna leaving?

“This is a possibility, especially Bacuna, but we had better wait.”

Liam Kelly linked with a Jaap Stam reunion at PEC Zwolle as well as Italian club Udinese.

“Since I arrived he has worked very, very well. I gave him a chance and he did well and played very good football at Old Trafford.

“In the meantime, two more midfield players arrived (Ejaria and Baker).

“At his age it is important they play, they must play and play and play. If he was my son I would say the same thing.

“But if he stays it is not a problem. I like him and his football and I will help him to be better and develop as a player.”

He added: “It can look as thought I am not being fair to him because he did well against Manchester United. He may be thinking ‘the manager can expect more from me’ in his head.

“But every player must know that behind all my decisions is what I think is best for Reading in that moment.

“I do not know if he will stay, but if he does I cannot tell him he will play all the games.

“I’m not talking specifically about Kelly, but sometimes with young players it is better if we find a solution where he play often and arrive back in the summer with more minutes in the legs, it will be better for the club.

“If he stays he will get his chances, but I cannot promise him he will be my player and play all the games.”

When asked if Reading would loan or sell Kelly, Gomes replied: “No sell.”

Transfer-listed Vito Mannone, David Myler and Marc McNulty’s prospects, Mcnulty being linked with Hibernian, Sunderland and a return to Coventry City.

“These players have been working in a different way since I arrived. I do not know if they will move or not, but now I am not counting with them.”

Would it be better for the club and players if they move on? "Yes".

Mo Barrow is wanted by Nottingham Forest and Hull City amid rumours of a £2m bid:

“It can happen. Like I said, anything can happen. Sometimes in the last day of the market the proposals arrive and we have to see it and make the best solution for us.

“Some issues are around the table but are not finished so it’s better not to talk about things that didn’t happen because we have a game on Saturday.”

Tyler Blackett’s future following links with Nottingham Forest and Wigan.

“He will stay with us.”

Reading’s interest in playmaker Adel Taarabt:

“It’s the same probability as players going out. Maybe if one goes, we receive a new player.”

Summing up the January transfer window so far:

“It’s teamwork from the scouts, board of directors and everyone. After the market closes maybe they can rest for a couple of days then start working again because in the summer, with the number of loan players e have, we must bring in new players again.

“A football club must work like that and prepare for these changes. The club has shown they are ready to find the answer. Under Financial Fair Play rules we brought in players with very high quality with very good money.

“With some of them the clubs they came from pay part of their salary so we have done a very, very good job.

“This is how we are working on situations. We study all the players and see if they fit in positions we need and have abilities we want. But we all work together, not only the technical staff, everybody.”

Nelson Oliveira deal could be made permanent in the summer?

“Yes, this can happen. We don’t have these things in our hands, but with some of the players we have we just need to pay the money for their clause. Everything is possible and I feel the players are happy working here.”

Likelihood of more comings and goings:

“Like I say, we can talk better about these issues tomorrow. The market is open and I cannot tell you yes or no because a lot can happen.

“There are some issues on the table and a lot of things could happen today. I hope you understand we cannot talk about this.

I will have pleasure talking about these things after anything is made official. All the decisions we have taken and the things we consider are for the best of Reading.”