Tommy Smith nearing Royal appointment

Striker Smith has been a target for Brendan Rodgers all summer and it looks like we might finally have done enough to get the striker to Madejski Stadium.

Director of Football Nicky Hammond has confirmed that we have bid for a player this week, and it is very likely that that player is Tommy Smith. After having two bids rejected, a final £1.6 million deal was offered to Watford on Tuesday with instructions to take it or leave it, and it looks very likely that they will take it.

Smith is out of contract at the end of this season and the deal would represent a fair price for the striker, who scored his first goal of the season for Watford on Tuesday night against Nottingham Forest.

The Royals are hopeful of tying up a deal before Saturdays game at home to Sheffield United in a bid to end our goal drought.