Reading have taken former West Bromwich Albion youngster Nathan Ferguson on trial, with an eye for a permanent transfer.
The 24-year-old is a versatile defender who rose to prominence at the Hawthorns as a teenager, appearing 21 times for the Baggies in his debut season before joining Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Plagued by injuries at Selhurst Park, the England Under-20 international made only one appearance in four years before leaving last summer.
The Birmingham-born defender, who spent time on trial with Championship club Portsmouth and played against the Royals in pre-season, began for Reading Under-21s in their 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Friday.
Speaking on Ferguson’s arrival following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to AFC Wimbledon, manager Noel Hunt stated they are considering a permanent move.
“Potentially,” the gaffer informed The Reading Chronicle. “He’s a wonderful kid who has been out of the game for a while, but he can play in a variety of roles. “He’s here to train, and we’ll see how he does.”
Ferguson or no Ferguson, Hunt still wants an experienced forward in the squad before Wednesday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers.
Derrick Williams, a former Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City defender, arrived on Friday but failed to help the club avoid a third consecutive League One defeat to the Wombles.
“I would like to think so,” Hunt remarked when asked about upcoming new arrivals. “I hope so. We’re working hard, and we need some experience and know-how to support the lads.”
The transfer market remains open until September 1, and 11 new players have joined this summer.
However, the Royals have only scored once in their three league games and are now atop the third tier table.
Bolton have won one, drawn one, and lost one of their first three matches of the season.
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