These could be the transfer stories that dominate at Reading in June

Championship outfit Reading simply have to have a productive summer if they are to have any chance of remaining afloat in the second tier next term, with several first-teamers already being released.

Although none of those going were any real surprise with Terell Thomas, Brandon Barker, Orjan Nyland, Felipe Araruna, Alen Halilovic and Marc McNulty failing to contribute enough to the cause during their time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, these departures mean gaps will need to be filled.

Former loanees Tom Dele-Bashiru, Danny Drinkwater, Baba Rahman and Tom Ince have also returned to their parent clubs and though Drinkwater and Ince have since been released, the chances of the Royals recruiting both are currently unclear with the pair likely to have been big earners at their former sides.

The departures may not stop there with Andy Yiadom, Josh Laurent, Andy Rinomhota, Tom Holmes, Femi Azeez, Junior Hoilett and Michael Morrison all yet to sign fresh terms in Berkshire, with John Swift already departing to West Bromwich Albion.

If they are unable to sign several players in the coming weeks, they face going into pre-season with a severe shortage of players, so it promises to be a potentially busy month in terms of transfers at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

And with this, we take a look at the Reading-related transfer stories that could dominate the headlines in the coming weeks.

The Joao saga

Football League World understands Championship quartet Burnley, Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Watford are all keeping tabs on Lucas Joao ahead of the summer window after continuing to impress for the Royals.

He may have endured an injury-hit 2021/22 season – but he mostly impressed when he did manage to get minutes under his