Reading target Pavel Pogrebnyak set for work permit hearing

Reading are trying hard to finalise their deal for 28-year
old Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak before looking for other additions to the squad to
prepare for life in the Premier league.

Pogrebnyak would become Reading’s sixth striker if he is granted a work permit next week after a proposed hearing.

The Royals’ director of football Nick Hammond is confident that the deal for the big Russian forward is likely to go ahead without any problems. Pogrebnyak has made his way back to Russia after completing a medical, and reportedly completing a four-year deal.

Hammond said: “our main focus right now is to complete on the Pogrebnyak deal”, suggesting its imminent completion.

The director followed by saying “and then we will look at where we sit” hinting that there may be other deals in the directors sights.

 It is reported that the Royals’ are trying to bring Jordan Rhodes to the Madjeski stadium to help their battle to stay in the top-flight. Jordan Rhodes has been on fire this season for Huddersfield and found the back of the net 40 times in 46 matches.

Hammond went on to say that “we already have five strikers in the squad and good ones at that” meaning that a future at Reading for Rhodes could depend on other front men departing from the newly promoted club.

The director and the manager Brian McDermott have been trawling the transfer market for the 2012/2013 campaign, knowing that they will need to bolster their team with fresh faces if they are going to compete in the Premier League next season.

Hammond said: "We have spent a lot of time working together and we are happy with where we are at right now. Discussions are on-going all the time.

"Most years clubs generally get an early deal done for pre-season training and get their players back, then you see a flurry of activity as we get closer to the end of the window."

Brian McDermott’s side have also reportedly been linked to a magnificent reunion with midfield maestro Gylfi Sigurdsson, however it is looking more likely that the Iceland international will make a move to Tottenham or Liverpool.