Reading boss Brian McDermott says Royals striker Simon Church could join one of four or five interested clubs on loan. The Blues have been mentioned in connection with the Wales international on a number of occasions over the last fortnight with Huddersfield and Nottingham Forest also believed to be amongst those eyeing the 23-year-old.

McDermott said: “I’ve spoken to Churchy and he has four or five options, so we will have to watch this space. There is a possibility that he will go out and play some games — it will be a loan.”

Speaking yesterday, Town boss Paul Jewell refused to comment on the links with Church: “We’ve agreed [a deal for Guirane N’Daw] with St Etienne, so I think I’m entitled to speak about that.

“I wouldn’t want to jeopardise anything [else] that might or might not happen, but we are in for good players.”

Church joined Reading’s youth set-up from hometown club Wycombe Wanderers when a schoolboy and has progressed through the ranks to the first team having been sent out for loan spells at Crewe, Yeovil, Wycombe and Leyton Orient.

Last season, the 5ft 11in tall frontman netted seven goals in 21 starts and 12 sub appearances but may find it harder to win a place in the side after the Royals’ return to the Premier League.

Jewell has been looking to add a bigger striker to his squad since the end of last season and missed out on number one target Steve Davies, who joined Bristol City from Derby County.

Meanwhile, Town target Darcy Blake has joined Crystal Palace from Cardiff City for £400,000, the Welsh international defender signing a three-year deal.

Photo: Action Images

itfcjoe added 16:31 - Aug 24 We haven't got a prayer
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casanovacrow added 16:40 - Aug 24 yes we need a bigger striker. 5'11" is hardly big though is it and not a fan of getting in too many loan players. I'll keep plugging Darius Henderson for the job, big, muscular, capable of 25 goals a season with the right service, experienced, wont break the bank as Millwall proved they didn't NEED him on their end of season run where he didn't get a game. Don't get me wrong, if he does sign I'll still get behind him, Jewell and the team. He does give us something slightly different, I just think there's better options.

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GrahamHarbey added 16:50 - Aug 24 Agree regarding height, but Henderson could and I repeat could be going to.jail if he is convicted of GBH following an altercation at Xmas!
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WorcesterBlue added 16:50 - Aug 24 Not what we need and not good enough imo. If Connor is going out on loan let's get him in for the season as he's miles better than Church and gives us the height and flexibility. Or Henderson (good shout Casanovacrow). Then get a wide player (Judge, mcglashen?) and Centre back and job done. But no desperate signings like this please.
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TractorBoy666 added 16:53 - Aug 24 N'Daw is good enough for flicking balls on etc. We also have JET who i heard on the radio against Watford can head the ball forward. Church would be another option if Chopra isn't scoring or then again could Church go left wing?
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JewellintheTown added 16:54 - Aug 24 "There is a possibility that he will go out and play some games — it will be a loan.” Sounds like McDermott wants him back afterwards rather than view to a permanent move, so Churchy will have that thought in the back of his mind. Would have preffered someone who thinks they're going to be looking for a permanent move after the loan period expires as they seem more determined than someone who knows they're going back to fight for their place at their parent club.

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wychyblue added 17:03 - Aug 24 Henderson a great shout . Scored alot of goals when in the side last year and what about Adam Hamil from Wolves . Wolves fans not happy he is about to leave. Another one Forest are after . O'Driscol seems to get whoever he goes for .(believe he's also sniffing around Coppinger). I know that Coppinger is keen on a move to Ipswich (quote from him in May) and believe his wages are affordable as he is currently on alot less than what Jimmy was on. Come on PJ be decisive and don't let others tempt potential targets. Having said that , Jason Pearce..... Luke Chambers better! Joel Ward ..... Bet he's glad he's gone to Palace now!! Luongo , 10 times the player.

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Juggsy added 17:31 - Aug 24 Loans, loans, loans zzzzzzz
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raycrawfordswig added 17:53 - Aug 24 Think we have missed every target this summer.
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clivewoodsleftpeg added 18:02 - Aug 24 a big fat no to this move, I know we are struggling for cover up front at the moment but Church isn't the answer, he isn't very good imo, have watched him a few times as live in Reading, not quick, not a great finisher, not great in the air, hes a hardworking lad but we need to aspire to better than this if we really do want to compete this year, when signing loans they should be as good or better than what you already have to challenge for places and keep everyone on their toes, he isn't as good or better than what we already have.

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runningout added 19:51 - Aug 24 Nooooooo.. Church is too much like Priskin and not consistant, as for Henderson, not combative enough.. also dislike more than one loanee.. tend to loose sense of a group and team with more...
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daniel9624 added 20:20 - Aug 24 Would really like our final move of the summer to be a permanent deal, but if given a choice between a loan or another Nathen ELiington, i'll take the loan every time.
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manualthetisfanclub added 21:02 - Aug 24 Jog on church.........come on pj stop these don't give a toss loans,get our own in and build a team around them,build the club up again,not quick fix loans.by the way don't want church,to similar to chops and reading do like their recall clauses,remember McCarthy anyone..........
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bedsitfc added 22:36 - Aug 24 mcfadden on a free would be good, plays up front and can play out wide both sides
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