Reading have launched a bid to sign Portugese forward Pedro Mendes on loan with an option to buy, according to reports in Portugal.

Media outlet Ojogo have reported that Reading have approached Portugese giants Sporting Lisbon with a view to bringing Mendes in during the January window.

The report states that the club are currently 'analyzing the offer' and will give Reading an answer 'over the next few days'. 

The deal is reportedly a loan-to-buy offer, with Reading initially looking to bring in Mendes until the end of the season with a view to a permanent signing in the summer.

READ MORE: An in-depth look at Pedro Mendes

Mendes has featured 20 times for Sporting Lisbon's U23 side this season and has already managed to score 15 times.

Bowen confirmed after the game against Nottingham Forest that he was 'hopeful' of bringing in 'one or two players' before the window slams shut.

The Royals boss also said after the game against Nottingham Forest he's hoping  to bring in cover for the injured Lucas Joao.

Bowen said: ""Maybe, we've lost that presence of Lucas with his size and quality, so I think if we were looking at that situation, we'd be looking at that sort of ilk of a striker.