Reading close on Brighton striker Baldock

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HITC Sport understands Reading are closing in on Premier League striker Baldock.

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Sam Baldock is poised to join Reading, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

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.

The summer arrival of Romanian striker Florin Andone has pushed Baldock further down the pecking order at the Amex Stadium and it appears 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 Brighton win promotion to the Premier League.