Reading FC potential line-up in League One next season

Fan favourites Junior Hoilett, Yakou Meite and Amadou Mbengue have all been offered new contracts- although the likliehood of them staying and playing their football in League One next season looks slim.

With that in mind, take a look at how the Royals could potentially line up in the third tier next season, using only players officially under contract.

GOALKEEPER

Dean Bouzanis

The Australian made just eight appearances last season as a deputy to loanee Joe Lumley.

However, still under contract the 32-year-old remains the most senior goalkeeper in the squad.

Playing in the lower leagues for the likes of Sutton United, Oldham Athletic and Accrington Stanley, the former Liverpool youngster is well-versed to the rough-and-tumble of League One and League Two.

With youngsters Coniah Boyce-Clarke and Jokull Andresson pushing him, Bouzanis looks most likely to start come the opening day of the season.

DEFENDERS

Andy Yiadom

The club captain, and set to be the longest-serving player by next season, the full-back has been hit-and-miss in five years with the Royals.

Whenever fit, Yiadom plays and this is likely to be no different in League One.

Now 31, bottom-end Championship looks to be the Ghana international's ceiling and it remains to be seen if he sees out the final two years of his fresh contract.

Tom Holmes

Vice captain and an academy product, current players don't get too much more popular than Holmes.

Coming on leaps and bounds last season, the 23-year-old has a bright future.

One which there will most probably be interest for among other clubs, he could be a tough one to tie down.

Naby Sarr

Signing a four-year contract last summer, the 29-year-old struggled with injuries early on but flourished into the best defender in the squad as the season came to a disappointing end.

Last in League One five years ago with Charlton Athletic, Sarr finds himself back in the third tier after reaching the Championship play-off final two years ago with Huddersfield Town.

A proper head-it and kick-it defender, Sarr could prove invaluable next season.

Nesta Guinness-Walker

The club's only registered left-back, Guinness-Walker triggered an extension after impressing last season.

Not a first-choice under Paul Ince, the former AFC Wimbledon youngster came on leaps and bounds from an opening day debut against Blackpool.

A year as first-choice in League One could do his progress a world of good.

MIDFIELDERS

Tom Ince

Last season's Player of the Season, nobody scored more or assisted more than Ince.

The recipient of some stick for his occasionally petulant behaviour, he was the only player last season capable of creating something out of nothing.

Still with two years on his contract, it is not beyond comprehension that the 31-year-old lines up in League One next year- although there will certainly be suitors.

Tom McIntyre

A somewhat utility player last season, regularly playing central defence, full-back and midfield, a protector in front of the back-line looks like a good fit for the fan favourite.

Approaching 100 appearances for his boyhood club, the 24-year-old is the fan on the pitch and his passion will go a long way next season.

Ovie Ejaria

Th missing man last season, at his best Ejaria will be the best player in the third tier next season.

Scoring twice in almost two years, the Liverpool youngster was disciplined under Ince last season and did not feature during the second half of the campaign.

Yet to truly see the best of the maverick, the 25-year-old is running out of time to live up to his potential.

Femi Azeez

Another popular academy star, Azeez is yet to find his consistent level.

In and out of the side under Ince, he was a mainstay under Noel Hunt and looked electrifying out wide.

Plenty of room for improvement, with his end product leaving a lot to be desired, the 21-year-old could thrive in League One.

FORWARDS

Andy Carroll

Still incredibly enthusiastic for someone who has spent over a decade at the top of the game, Carroll's effort levels can never be shot at.

One of the best aerial performers in England, he is criminally underrated with the ball at his feet and had his best goalscoring season since 2017.

Out of contract next summer, could promotion back to the Championship be the former England international's last hurrah?

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan

A regular substitute last season, the academy product scored twice under Ince in his first full season with the first team.

Tall and powerful, the drop to League One could help the development of 20-year-old Ehibhatiomhan.

Commentators better get used to pronouncing his name, as he could become a firm favourite next season.