Reading boss Paul Ince expects the six-point deduction within the next 24-48 hours as the club enter the final run-in.

News broke last month that EFL were set to trigger a suspended six-point penalty for financial misdemeanours, however it has been radio silence in recent weeks.

In a press conference leading up to a trip to Bristol City on Saturday, the former England captain explained that the news is expected soon.

"By the sounds of it, it’s coming in the next 24-48 hours- imminent," he said. "The timing isn’t great with eight games to go. It’s coming, we’re not going to get away with it, so we have to pick the boys up. Morale might be low, but we have to pick them up.

"I’m disappointed because we knew about it four or five weeks ago. It’s not great timing. Wigan had theirs three or four weeks ago, and we’re getting ours with five weeks to go. No point moaning, we have to get on with it and give the best account of ourselves in every game."

The deduction will plunge the Royals into a relegation battle, leaving them 21st and just three points above the drop zone with eight matches to play- including two against teams occupying the bottom three.