Reading FC boss Mark Bowen warned supporters that there is a 'real possibility' of key players leaving this summer as the club faces increased financial strains as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bowen said that 'big decisions' will have to be made should offers come in for one of the highest earners at the club. 

Reading have already seen one player leave the club this summer, with young starlet Danny Loader leaving after turning down a contract extension which would've kept him at the club until the end of the prolonged 2019-20 season.

Speaking after Saturday's defeat to Derby County, Bowen said: "It would be remiss of me to say it [losing first team players] is not a concern.

READ MORE

Reading FC vs Brentford FC - Everything you need to know ahead of today's game

Manager Mark Bowen's take on Derby performance, late red card and rotation in upcoming games

"I know Nigel Howe and the people he is working with are really trying to get things sorted day in, day out to ensure we are in a strong position to start next season. 

"It's an ongoing situation, I can't give any specifics but I do think that there is a real danger that players, if the right offer comes in, could be sold."

"There's a real possibility of that. In other years, I could give more specifics but with the financial situation in the game we just don't know if and when offers are going to come in and what levels they can come in at because everyone is looking at the situation week by week and where they are financially and who is and is not available.

"It is a complicated situation but I can't say everybody is going to stay.

"It's going to be a really intensive time and some big decisions are going to have to be made in and around the football club."