JAAP Stam could be ready to offer Tiago Ilori a route out of Anfield by bringing the centre-back to Reading FC on loan.

Reports suggest Royals will attempt to sign the out-of-favour Liverpool defender for the rest of the season to strengthen their promotion bid.

Ilori, 23, has struggled for first-team games at Anfield following a £4m move from Sporting CP in 2013 and has already been farmed out on loan three times to Granada, Bordeaux and Aston Villa.

He failed to secure a move last summer and has spent this season with Liverpool Under 23s.

The London-born Portugal youth international has made only three first-team appearances for the Reds and it has been suggested Stam wants to bring him to Madejski Stadium on an initial six-month loan with a view to a permanent signing.

Royals have a number of options at centre-back with Jake Cooper and Danzell Gravenberch back-up to the first-choice pairing of Paul McShane and Liam Moore.

Joey van den Berg can also play in that position, but Stam may be looking for even more cover in the shape of Ilori.

Meanwhile, Peterborough United’s Chris Forrester has emerged as a chief target for Jaap Stam in the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been ever-present for Posh this season and has chipped in with three goals including a late winner at Northampton Town.

The ex-Republic of Ireland U21 international joined the London Road club from Irish side St Patrick’s in 2015. He quickly progressed to club captain and his recent form has caught the attention of several Championship clubs including Royals, Brentford and Derby County.

Royals have been heavily linked with Brentford striker, Scott Hogan, though rumours of a club-record £9m bid are wide of the mark.

Out-of-favour Crystal Palace midfielder, Jordon Mutch, and Aldershot Town teenager, Idris Kanu, are also thought to be on Stam’s radar.

Rumours also surfaced this week suggesting Stam is ready to raid his former club Ajax for midfield outcast, Thulani Serero.

The 26-year-old South Africa international, who is also linked with Celtic, was not handed a squad number at the start of the season and the club are willing to loan him out or terminate his contract.

The size of Stam’s transfer kitty is likely to depend on the outcome of the current takeover by a Chinese consortium led by siblings Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li.

The pair have already met Football League representatives over acquiring a 75% stake in the club from the current Thai owners.

When asked whether Royals need to strengthen in January, goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi said: “This is a question for the owners and manager.

"We’re a very good team, but that’s up to the manager. We’re the second best team at home this season, but we need to pick up more points away from home.

"If we do that we will stay in the top six. Everyone knows the Championship really starts now.”