Reading defender Tom McIntyre has been linked with a move to League One leaders Portsmouth before Thursday's deadline.

The 25-year-old has struggled for form and with injury, starting just three league matches so far this season, but appeared off the bench on Saturday against Leyton Orient for his first involvement of 2024.

A product of the club's academy and a former season ticket holder, the 25-year-old is a firm fan favourite in Berkshire with more than 100 appearances for his boyhood club to his name.

Out of contract in the summer, the former Scotland youth international has caught the eye of those around the Royals.

According to Jordan Cross of the Portsmouth News, Pompey are 'confident' of sealing a move for the versatile defender, but admitted there was still 'a distance to travel' before anything is confirmed.

Portsmouth sit two points clear of second-place Bolton Wanderers at the top of the league, looking for a return to the Championship after more than a decade in the lower leagues.

The Royals have already lost defenders Nelson Abbey, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Tom Holmes in this window- although Holmes has returned on loan from Luton Town.

Ruben Selles takes his side to Fratton Park in March for the first meeting in Hampshire for almost a decade.