Sam Baldock set for Reading as he says goodbye to Brighton

Sam Baldock of Brighton and Hove Albion battles for possesion with Adama Traore of Middlesbrough during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Middlesbrough and Brighton at...

HITC Sport understands that Reading are on the verge of signing Sam Baldock from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Sam Baldock of Brighton and Hove Albion is challenged by Grzegorz Krychowiak of West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove...

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Sam Baldock is poised to seal his move Reading, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

HITC Sport understands that Baldock has said his goodbyes to his Brighton team-mates as he prepares to make the move to Reading.

Reading boss Paul Clement is looking to bolster his attacking options before the start of the new season, and he has identified Baldock as a top target.

Baldock would help fill the void left by Yann Kermogant's departure from the Madejski Stadium earlier this summer.

Baldock found his first-team chances at Brighton limited last season following their promotion to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old only made two substitute appearances in the Premier League last season with another three appearances in the FA Cup.

Sam Baldock of Brighton shoots wide under pressure from Damien Delaney of Crystal Palace during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at...

The summer arrival of Romanian striker Florin Andone has pushed Baldock further down the pecking order at the Amex Stadium, and it appears that he is surplus to requirements in Chris Hughton's plans going forward on the South Coast.

Reading struggled for goals last season, netting 48 goals in the Championship as they narrowly avoided relegation and Clement feels Baldock would help solve their problems in front of goal.

Baldock, who joined Brighton from Bristol City in 2014, is a proven striker at Championship level, having scored 12 goals in the 2016/17 season to help the Seagulls win promotion to the Premier League.

Sam Baldock of Brighton & Hove Albion battles with Neil Taylor of Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on May 7,...

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