READING FC full-back Chris Gunter hopes Tiago Ilori can help Jaap Stam's squad - if rumours suggesting the Liverpool defender is on the verge of a club-record move are true.

Reports emerged earlier today linking Reading with a £3.75m swoop for the 23-year-old centre-back, which would surpass the £2.5m former boss Steve Coppell paid for Emerse Fae in 2007.

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 to bolster their promotion push.

And Gunter admitted he thinks it is highly likely new players will join the squad this month, adding they must adjust to the Royals' style of play.

"Players are always the last to know," quipped the 27-year-old Wales international.

"There probably will be players coming in, it's important that anyone who comes into this squad buys into what we are doing.

"It's important they settle into the squad and do what we have been doing.

"I'm sure anyone that is brought in will come in to help us.

"We will need different players over the course of the season and if that's the case then hopefully he (Ilori) can do well for us, but I don't know anything about it."

Reading already have plenty of options in defence, with Jake Cooper and Denzell Gravenberch providing back-up for Liam Moore and Paul McShane.

Midfielder Joey van den Berg and George Evans are also capable as filling in at centre-back, along with Tyler Blackett.

But Stam could be looking to strengthen his back-line even more as the Royals continue to push for a spot in the top six of the Championship.

The Chronicle understands, however, that a fee is yet to be agreed with Liverpool.