Free transfer targets – Part 6

Vital Reading looks at some potential free transfer targets for the Royals this summer. This time, we look at potential strikers, to fill the void left by the departing duo of Adam le Fondre and Jason Roberts last month.

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Nikola Zigic – Recently released by Birmingham – Despite being on around £60,000-a-week at a cash-strapped club, Blues fans were sad to see the 6’8 giant leave St. Andrews this summer. He rarely started for them this season, but like he proved against us, is a useful asset to bring on off the bench. I think it would be a great move to bring him here and would offer something very different to our striking options, as long as he won’t be on £60,000-a-week though!

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – Recently released by Ipswich – If the former Wolves man would have stayed clear of injuries, he could be playing Premier League football still. His most recent spell reunited him with former boss Mick McCarthy at Ipswich, but failed to make any impact in his six appearances there. It would be a risky one, but he is only 28 and has a decent record at this level, it could be worth a punt.

Nathan Delfouneso – Recently released by Aston Villa – Like Zigic, the 23-year old would offer us a different option, one that we have missed since Lita – pace when playing off the shoulder. 12 goals in 112 games isn’t the best record, but you argue that he hasn’t had a full season of regular football under his belt. He has played at every age group at England youth level, so could we be the the club to finally unearth his potential?

Marouane Chamakh – Recently released by Crystal Palace – This one would be very, very unlikely, but could be worth a go. The Moroccan has suffered a fall from grace in recent years, from signing for Arsenal and now being released by Palace. A move back to France or elsewhere in Europe would probably be his preferred destination, but if he fancied dropping down a level and taking a wage cut, it could be a good fit.