SAM Smith has signed for League One Shrewbury Town until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old striker was expected to stay at Oxford United for the 2018/19 League One campaign.

But after three goals in 23 appearances for the Us he returned to Reading last month.

Ex-Manchester United youngster Smith has now been loaned out to Sam Ricketts’ Shrews and he could make his debut at Blackpool tomorrow.

Smith will join Dave Edwards at New Meadow after the former Reading midfielder moved back to his first club Shrewsbury on a permanent deal recently.

Reading boss Jose Gomes has been told to reduce the size of his squad during the January transfer window.

Fellow striker Marc McNulty could also be on his way out following strong links with League One promotion-chasing Sunderland.

Gomes is confident of making one more signing of his own this month after bringing in Liverpool’s Ovie Ejaria and Chelsea’s Lewis Baker on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Royals travel to Derby County tomorrow (3pm ko) looking to make it back-to-back wins in the league first time in 13 months.