Reading boss Noel Hunt refused to confirm if former fan favourite Yakou Meite was a target for the winter window, admitting the 'we need to be realistic.'

The 28-year-old made nearly 180 appearances for the club between 2016 and 2023, departing following the club's relegation out of the Championship.

Working under Hunt, who was interim during that period, Meite scored his final goal in a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic, which virtually condemned both clubs to relegation.

Unable to find form with new club Cardiff City, the Ivorian has scored once in 25 appearances for the Bluebirds this season.

A subject of criticism from the Cardiff supporters, Meite has spoken out about online abuse he has received this season.

Rumours were rife during the window of a possible return on loan, something which Hunt addressed ahead of Saturday's trip to Huddersfield Town.

"There is loads of chat. Yak was a fan favourite here and is a really good player who keeps in contact. We have to be realistic, he is playing in the Championship and featuring week-in and week-out. We have to be realistic about what we can and can’t do in the time given."

Losing Sam Smith to Wrexham, Reading were desperate to sign a forward. They did so in the form of 32-year-old Billy Bodin, brought in on loan from Burton Albion.

"With the departure of Sam being so sudden and then the game, we had 24 or 48 hours to replace. We were going through names with Brian and Gilksey and trying to get character references. It was really important that we got the right type of player and character in. We have a really good group, and we don’t want anything to spoil that.

"Billy came with glowing recommendations as a character off several players he played with that I knew so it was important to get that right. He has quality, he can score goals, and he is technically really good and works hard."