Ballard will reunite with his former boss Ruben Selles in Berkshire.
According to writers Alfie House and James Earnshaw, Reading are ready to sign Southampton striker Dom Ballard on loan before tonight’s deadline.
The Royals need two or three new players before the summer transfer market closes, with the forward position being a priority.
A left-back may also be on their agenda today, given their lack of depth in this position in the absence of John Clarke – but it’s unclear if they’re aiming to bring in a loanee or a free agent.
If they choose the latter, they will not be required to sign their target by tonight’s 11 p.m. deadline.
The final position they should consider is Lewis in central midfield.
Lewis Wing’s injury emphasizes the reality that they don’t have a lot of options in this area.
Sam Hutchinson is one of those choices, but given his injury history, they can’t afford to rely on him.
However, with Andy Carroll’s leaving yesterday, the forward area need immediate attention.
What is the current status of play in Reading’s attacking line?
Carroll’s departure leaves the Royals with little choices in this area, as the former England international terminated his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Sam Smith will most likely be their primary man when he returns, although he has been injured and may need some time to get back to his best after missing the first half of the season.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, like fellow youngster Caylan Vickers, has been impressive so far this season.
Jahmari Clarke is another natural forward option, but it doesn’t appear that they have signed Jayden Wareham to a contract yet, which means he won’t be allowed to play for the first team.
Although Harvey Knibbs, Paul Mukairu, Femi Azeez, and Basil Tuma may be able to play up top, at least two or three wingers will be required during the season.
Ballard appears to be another option in this area, and he might be a fantastic acquisition after scoring two hat-tricks already this season in Premier League 2.
Should Dom Ballard be released by Southampton?
If he isn’t going to play frequently for the first team and isn’t going to be assured playing time at Reading, then this trade should be approved.
Keeping him in the first squad at St Mary’s may have been a wise choice given his goal scoring record and the fact that Che Adams and Kamaldeen Sulemana could potentially leave the south coast before the deadline tonight.
The Saints will have extra work to do in the transfer market before the deadline as a result of Ballard’s departure, which isn’t ideal, but the choice to send Ballard to Berkshire may pay rewards.
A season at SCL Stadium would allow Ballard to acquire accustomed to playing senior football on a regular basis, and if he shines there, it will only boost his confidence.
And if he can shine under Selles, who knows him well, he may easily break into the Saints’ first squad.