Three free agents Reading could look at to break transfer window duck

As teams up and down the country begin to piece squads together for the upcoming season, Reading are focused on keeping last year's squads together as pre-season training gets underway.

The only team in League One yet to make a signing, and one of only two in the bottom two divisions, the EFL are currently unwilling to allow the Royals to confirm any incomings until progress is made with the protracted takeover.

Under embargo for the fourth season in a row, the club will still only be allowed to work in the free agent and loan market until at least January, relying upon no more misdemeanours between now and then.

For when the club can look to secure some incomings, take a look below a three possible free agents that could do a job in Berkshire.

(Image: pa)

Tyler Blackett

30-year-old Blackett, a graduate of the Manchester United Academy, made his name in a four-year stint with the Royals between 2016 and 2020.

With 122 appearances under his belt, predominantly at left-back, he has played for Reading more than any of his other clubs.

Featuring 12 times for Rotherham United as they were relegated from the Championship last season, the experienced defender could plug a much-needed gap at left-back.

(Image: jasonpix)

Tariqe Fosu

Spending 13 years at the club from the age of nine, Fosu made just one first-team appearance on the final day of the 2014/15 campaign.

Enjoying loans in League One and League Two, Charlton Athletic and Oxford United brought the winger to the mainstream, becoming a highly sought-after EFL player.

Brentford triggered his release clause in 2020 and the 28-year-old was a key member of the Bees' promotion-winning side in 2021.

Struggling for game time while Thomas Frank's men were in the Premier League, Fosu spent time on loan with Stoke City and Rotherham United last season before exiting the GTech Stadium.

(Image: PA)

Britt Assombalonga

An EFL veteran with prolific spells at Peterborough United, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, the 31-year-old was renowned for his sheer speed and cool finishing.

Less successful in recent years with Watford and spells in Turkey, the DR Congo forward would still strike fear into most League One defences as he approaches his 15th professional campaign.