Tom Holmes and Nelson Abbey could be set for a Premier League switch to relegation-threatened Luton Town, the Reading Chronicle understands.

As expected due to the club's current off-field financial crisis, focus has been more on exits this January window than incomings.

Abbey and Holmes, both products of the club's prestigious Academy with over a decade at the club, have become mainstays under Ruben Selles and true fan favourites.

Set to join Rob Edwards' Hatters, sat 18th in the Premier League, the Royals will be forced to shuffle the pack from their usual first-choice centre-back pairing in the fight for survival in League One.

It is understood that a cut-price fee has been agreed between the sides, but discussions remain underway at an advanced stage.

This is predominantly due to their strong feelings toward their boyhood club, with potential options of returning on loan thought to be under consideration.

The Chronicle is led to believe that this was arranged without the knowledge of manager Ruben Selles or Director of Football Operations, Mark Bowen. 

Staff are said to be 'exasperated' as some of the best players could potentially depart in a crucial period in the club's survival bid.

Neither player have featured in the top flight yet in their young careers, with Abbey already an England youth international having made his first-team debut in August.

Reading face Port Vale tomorrow in the latest League One clash.