Osborne deal off?

The potential transfer for Kareligh Osborne could be off or put on hold, with several sources reporting that the defender is carrying an injury which would prevent him from carrying out his medical successfully.

The 23-year old looked all set to leave his current club Brentford for the Madejski Stadium, after the London side allowed Osborne to talk to the Royals but the move would now seem unlikely.

His contract was due to run out at the end of the season after rejecting the Bee’s final offer of an improved deal. However, it looks possible that he will let his contract run out and look elsewhere in the summer.

This would leave Brian McDermott short of central defensive cover for Kaspars Gorkss and Alex Pearce, with Sean Morrison leaving for Huddersfield in the week and Bongani Khumalo set to return to parent club Tottenham in the next week.

McDermott could now turn his attentions to Swindon centre-back Aden Flint, who has been a big hit at the country ground this season. The Royals boss has also been an admirer of Colchester defender Magnus Okuonghae. However, a loan deal could be more beneficial for the Royals.