The summer transfer window opens next week and Reading is hoping to make deals early to get in shape for 2021/22.

The only transfer made so far has been the sale of academy striker Thierry Nevers to West Ham United for an undisclosed amount.

Speculation continues on which players may leave the club and others who may join ahead of the new league campaign.

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As in previous windows, Veljko Paunovic’s side are limited in spending, so fans shouldn’t expect the club to spend money.

The Serbian will rely mainly on loans and free agents to help strengthen the squad.

It should be a busy two months off the pitch before the big kickoff in August.

Here are three immediate transfer priorities for Paunovic and Reading as they look to have a successful window this summer.

Sign a left rear

This is the position that must be urgently reinforced after the departure of Omar Richards.

The 23-year-old’s transfer to Bayern Munich left Reading without the club’s senior left-back.

Only the two academicians Imari Samuels and Ethan Bristow are natural left-backs, although both lack experience, with only the latter having played senior football (three matches).

Additionally, Reading had other players who could replace Richards left-back on occasion last season, along with center-backs Lewis Gibson and Tom McIntyre.

Everton Loanee Gibson has returned to his parent club, while McIntyre’s future remains uncertain.

On a sudden, right-back Andy Yiadom could potentially play on the left side, but it’s more of a quick, long-term fix.

The longer the wait to sign a left-back, the more it becomes an urgent issue and talking point for Paunovic as the new season approaches.

Resolving Tom McIntyre’s Situation

Does he stay or does he leave? The academy’s existing graduate agreement expires on Wednesday, June 30, and there has been no word on a new contract yet.

Discussions are underway between the club and the player’s representatives on a new deal.

McIntyre, a childhood Reading fan, earlier this year expressed his desire to stay with the club beyond this summer and Paunovic said he was also eager to see the 22-year-old remain a Royal.

However, the longer the talks dragged on, the more fans started to worry that he might look for a new challenge elsewhere.

The center-back has arguably just finished what has been his best campaign to date, despite only playing 28 games.

After starting the season on the bench and having a horrific game in his first start of the season, McIntyre has shown great determination and a mentality to bounce back and end the campaign as one of the most outstanding performers. .

The Scotland Under-21 international also showed his versatility by replacing the defensive midfielder and left-back when needed.

Many supporters see McIntyre as a future Reading captain. Someone of his talent and ability, not to mention his passion for the club, needs to be tied with a new contract as soon as possible.

Sell ​​a player

Fans won’t like to see it, but now is the time for Reading to start selling players.

The last time the club sold a player for significant money was Leandro Bacuna, who joined Cardiff City for around £ 4million in January 2019.

Part of the problem is why the club’s finances are so dire and now is the time to cash in some of the assets.

Michael Olise is the obvious player who is likely to leave after his superb season.

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Although he only has one year left on the contract, he is expected to generate significant funds for the club and while that doesn’t amount to lavish spending for new players, it will help balance the books behind the scenes.

A number of clubs are said to be interested in the teenager, although none have presented concrete offers.

The deals elsewhere are likely to spark a move involving Reading, but the sooner they can get money to better satisfy the English Football League (EFL) and avoid a possible point deduction for next season due to the situation. current financial.