Reading boss Noel Hunt has confirmed that there is scope for the club to enter the free agent market to bolster their ranks, despite remaining under a transfer embargo.

The Royals have not paid a fee for a player for over five years and will not be able to until they submit their financial accounts, which are almost 12 months overdue.

Selling Sam Smith and Tyler Bindon in the window, albeit bringing Bindon back to the club on loan from Nottingham Forest until the summer, Dean Bouzanis also had his contract 'mutually terminated' after becoming surplus to requirements.

While loan signings are no longer possible due to the close of the window, Hunt has confirmed that there is the chance of acquiring a free agent, providing they stay within the EFL limitations.

"Potentially," the gaffer said on the possibility of a signing. "We are still under the embargo so we are limited in what we can do. I’m really happy with the group and we aren’t going to rush to bring someone in and jeopardise that in terms of the characters and what we have in the building. If there is something that sticks out and we think it is good for the group and makes us stronger, we will look into it."

Reading are the only club in the country yet to publish their financial accounts, which were due last spring and would cover the relegation season of 2022/23.

"I can’t sign it off and I don’t want to know anything about it," Hunt said when queried on the accounts. "It’s someone’s job and hopefully it gets sorted soon. As far as I’m concerned, I have to focus on what we have in the building and what we can control."

Another financial issue dominating supporters' thoughts is next season, with only five players contracted to the club beyond this spring.

However, the former Republic of Ireland international has confirmed it is the least of his worries at present.

"Right now, we’re just focused on what we do on the pitch. It’s down the line and we’re aware of it but right now we can’t do anything about that. As I keep telling the players, they have to keep performing on the pitch, for yourself, your teammates and the football club. Hopefully that scenario is sorted long before then and we can start making progress in retaining players that we want to keep and value."