Mark Bowen reveals Reading FC's fresh transfer stance on Lucas Joao with strong statement

Mark Bowen says there is currently 'no chance' of star striker Lucas Joao leaving Reading FC this summer.

The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract with Royals and has been the subject of some intense transfer speculation this summer with the club continuing to operate under a transfer embargo.

Turkish giants Benfica have reportedly made a £2.5million offer for him, while a number of other English sides including Burnley, Middlesbrough and Watford have been linked.

The embargo means Reading are working under severe restrictions in the transfer window, with the club unable to pay any transfer fees for players and the requirement to slash the wage bill from £21million to £16million to comply with the business plan laid out with the English Football League (EFL).

Given former Sheffield Wednesday man Joao is one of the higher earners at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and the fact he is under contract means he is potentially one player who could help ease the financial difficulties facing the club.

However, Bowen, Reading's head of football operations, insists as things stand, Joao will be staying at Royals for the coming season.

"Purely from a football point of view, I think he’s one of the best strikers - if not the best striker - in the league," the Welshman said. "So first and foremost we need to make sure his availability to play is hopefully better than the last few years. When he’s playing and on the pitch, we have a chance of winning any game.

"Secondly, from a financial point of view, it doesn't matter if we get £50million for him, we can't use that money this year (because of the financial restrictions). We can use his wages because that comes off the wage bill but we can’t use the money. With that said,