Billy Sharp to Reading

So, some very reliable sources are finally starting to say that a loan deal for Billy Sharp is close to done. One even saying that he'll be in our XI to face Derby tomorrow at Pride Park. Sharp played under Adkins at Southampton, and they just missed each other in their Scunthorpe days. Obviously many Reading fans have been calling out for a striker and it's no secret that Southampton are willing to let the 27-year-old go to whichever club is willing to pay his wages.

For a team that hasn't scored from open play in over a month since the three-all draw against Watford you would think that a striker who has a record of a goal almost every other game would be invaluable. With a strike force of Pogrebnyak, Adam Le Fondre and Billy Sharp I think most Reading fans will be thrilled. Especially if the big Russian can find the net on a consistent basis this year.

Also, Chris Baird to the club was confirmed earlier on twitter. He's joined us until January.

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