Reading boss Paul Ince admitted that the expected six-point deduction could come into play 'this week.'

The news broke last week that the EFL were set to hit the club with a second points deduction in 18 months for historical financial issues, with the club confirming that the Football League are looking into the club's compliance with the business plan.

Suffering on the field, losing 5-0 to Middlesbrough on Saturday, the club look set to be hit with a second blow as the points could well be removed in the coming days.

READ MORE: Reading FC set for six point deduction as soon as 'next week'

Speaking after defeat on Teesside, Ince said: "It could be coming this week; I need to speak to Bo [Mark Bowen]. No, [not heard from EFL this week] but I think it could be coming this week. I’m not sure if it will be, but if it does then it does and we have to deal with it. Hopefully we can get three points on Tuesday against a very good Sheffield United side."

The Royals face two matches this week, hosting second-place Sheffield United on Tuesday and seventh-place Millwall on Saturday.

The deduction will see the club drop from 15th to 21st, just six points clear of the bottom three with 12 matches remaining.