Cardiff City are interested in Reading's highly-rated teenager Danny Loader, but face intense competition for his signature.
A host of top clubs from across Europe have shown an interest in the striker, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus, Borussia Monchengladbach, Lyon and Wolves, and it's believed there are offers on the table for the forward from the Premier League and abroad.
Cardiff are not believed to have made a formal bid at this stage, and sources claim that their chances of signing the forward are slim, with the 18-year-old understood to have his sights set on a move to the Premier League.
A move to South Wales hasn't categorically been ruled out, with the Bluebirds likely to be able to offer him more first team chances, but it seems Cardiff will have to pull out all the stops if they are to convince him to join this summer.
It's understood the Royals are open to selling the youngster, who netted one goal and earned one assist during 21 senior appearances in what was overall a disappointing season for the club, but are keen to hold out for the right price.
It's unclear exactly how much they are likely to demand for a deal, although reports in Berkshire have suggested Loader's value could be around £3m.
Loader is seen as an exciting prospect by those at the club, having netted 10 goals in 11 games for the under-23s last season.
He has also represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U19 level, and was part of the young Lions side that won the World Cup in 2017.
The player himself is in no rush to resolve his future and is ready to assess his options, and it's understood the Royals haven't given up hope of convincing him to sign a new deal.
As things stand, Loader could well end up leaving the club for just a small compensation fee next season given he is under the age of 24.
