Royals set to make loan bid for striker

Reading have stepped up their interest in Billy Sharp, in the hope of getting the striker in on loan.

The Reading Post revealed earlier that the Royals are set to make a formal loan offer for the former Doncaster striker, who is surplus to requirements at Southampton. However, Adkins will face competition to sign the striker, with Forest and Sheffield Wednesday also keen.

Wages appear to be the major stumbling block for any move, with Sharp believed to be on £18,000-a-week with the Premier League club. If given the choice, a move to reunite with former boss Nigel Adkins could prove to be the lure to the Madejski Stadium.

We are getting to a point where any striker will do at the moment, even though Sharp is very similar to Alfie. Adkins wanted a striker in before Brighton, but it seems we may have to wait a little latter.