Veljko Paunovic admits Reading FC may need to consider loan deals and free transfers to strengthen the squad this summer.

Paunovic is looking to build on his first season with the club, having missed league play-offs and finished seventh after being in the top six for much of the campaign.

The Serbian is keen to build and come back next season, but the Royals face uncertainty ahead of the summer transfer window, with Paunovic admitting that Reading is waiting for a clear picture amid possible sanctions from football authorities that could affect them. transfer activities. because the club is trying to reduce the budget due to a delicate financial situation.

Indeed, he admits Reading continues to have to work with transfer market restrictions, not having signed an actor in January.

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And whether or not penalties are imposed on the club, Reading is unlikely to spend much money, if at all, this summer.

“I think that would be the very simple answer, and very precise at this point,” he said, when asked by Berkshire Live if loan deals and free transfers were what Reading FC envisioned this summer.

Meanwhile, Paunovic said Reading academy graduates could become even more important to the club next season, after nine players made their senior debuts in Serbia’s first season.

This included goalkeeper Luke Southwood, who recently signed a new two-year deal with the club, as well as midfielder Dejan Tetek and Mamadi Camara.

Should Reading fans expect to see more young players involved next season?

“I think they’re going to be very important, but that’s something we’ll figure out, or know better, once we know the picture we have in front of us, I believe in the weeks to come,” said Paunovic.

“On second thought, the guys from our U23s have helped a lot. But this is where we need to improve. We need depth and experience.

“We got the best from everyone on our team. That’s what I believe. We need a lot more experience.”

However, it looks like Reading will be looking at possible loan deals or free agents to try to add that experience, although the Royals have been bolstered by defender Michael Morrison who has mutually agreed to extend his contract with the club.