It has been a very busy week in the championship as the transfer window has entered full swing. A mass of contracts came to an end across the EFL, with players available on free transfers. Here’s a round-up of this week’s Championship news that could affect the Royals next season:

The Wigan exodus has begun with striker Kieffer Moore leaving the relegated club to link up with Cardiff City while Danny Ward leaves the Bluebirds in favour of a return to Huddersfield.

Another to leave the Latics in favour of a Championship return was defender Chey Dunkley. The 28-year-old has signed for Sheffield Wednesday who will look to overcome a 12-point deduction at the start of the 2020/21 Championship campaign.

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Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have been busy signing three players. They signed Jack Colback after the midfielder was released by Newcastle United as well as striker Lyle Taylor who left Charlton Athletic.

Former Royal Tyler Blackett has also made the switch to the City Ground.

Championship newcomers Rotherham United also turned to the free agent market this week signing Kieran Sadlier.

The winger departed Doncaster Rovers at the expiry of his contract and has made the move across Yorkshire. Ex Reading academy graduate, Angus MacDonald also signed for the Millers after leaving relegated side, Hull City while another who failed to make the grade in Berkshire, striker Uche Ikpeazu became Wycombe Wanderers first Championship signing from Scottish side, Hearts.

Another club to have had a busy few days was Swansea City. The Liberty Stadium welcomed the return of goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman for a season long loan while midfielder Korey Smith crossed the border from Bristol City on a free.

Meanwhile, QPR also confirmed the return of a favourite of last season with Luke Amos making his loan spell from Tottenham into a permanent move. Fellow Spurs midfielder and Reading FC transfer target Oliver Skipp linked up with Norwich City on a season long loan. Barnsley also welcomed the return of full back Kilian Ludewig on loan from RB Salzburg.

Arguably the biggest transfer coup of the week falls to Stoke City. The Potters announced the signing of former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on a free transfer.

The Premier League winner has had a torrid spell since leaving the Blues and will look to make his home in the Midlands. Veteran striker Steven Fletcher has also linked up with Michael O’Neill’s side after departing from Sheffield Wednesday.

There was managerial news at Watford this week, as the freshly relegated side appointed Vladimir Ivic as their new boss. The 43-year-old takes over the reigns from temporary manager, Hayden Mullins as the Hornets prepare for their Championship return.

They have been busy reshuffling their squad with Pontus Dahlberg and Cucho Hernandez leaving for BK Hacken and Getafe on loan respectively while Dimitri Foulquier completed a permanent move to Granada. Former West Ham full back Jeremy Ngakia did arrive at Vicarage Road for no fee.

Birmingham City recently appointed Aitor Karanka as manager and the Spaniard has reshuffled the coaching department at the club. Three senior members of the coaching staff have been relieved of their duties including ex-England international striker James Beattie who was a first team coach with the Blues but has been on ‘leave’ throughout the 2019/20 season.

Beattie and goalkeeping coach Darryl Flahavan have moved to fellow championship side Sheffield Wednesday to work alongside manager Garry Monk once more. Wednesday also announced ex-Reading midfielder, Andrew Hughes was to take a role as part of the backroom staff at the Yorkshire side.

Birmingham also announced the signing of ex-Middlesbrough defender, George Friend on a free transfer.

In other former Royals news, academy product, Ben House has signed for National League side Eastleigh.

The striker only featured once for Reading, being subbed on before duly being subbed back off a few minutes later. Another academy graduate who debuted last season is on trial with Swindon Town. Akin Odimayo featured for the Robins as they faced Coventry City last Saturday.

In the women’s game, Reading announced the signing of New Zealand international goalkeeper, Erin Nayler from Bordeaux. The 28-year-old will look to give competition to Grace Moloney in the fight for the number one jersey.