Exclusive: Reading FC in advanced talks to sign Burton Albion attacker | OneFootball

The Royals are closing in on a deal to sign Billy Bodin

Reading FC are in advanced talks to sign Burton Albion winger Billy Bodin on loan before tonight's 11pm transfer deadline, Football League World understands.

The EFL have granted the Royals permission to get this deal sorted given Sam Smith's exit to Wrexham AFC and Bodin now looks set to link up with Noel Hunt's men until the end of the season.

The Royals are currently operating under a transfer embargo in what has been a whirlwind few years off the pitch for the club, they've suffered from fines, points deductions and fan protests during Dai Yongge's disastrous reign as owner.

Bodin, 32, has scored four goals in 12 appearances for the Brewers so far this term but has been allowed to go out on loan by Burton boss Gary Bowyer.

The versatile attacker who can operate on either flank or through the middle will bolster a Royals side who are still firmly in the mix for a play-off spot in League One this season.

Noel Hunt's side secured a vital 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium which leaves the Berkshire outfit in 8th position, joint on points with Leyton Orient who occupy the final play-off spot.

Sam Smith absence being filled by Billy Bodin at Reading FC

The loss of Sam Smith to Wrexham in the final throngs of the January transfer window has been a hammer-blow for the Royals.

Smith, an ever present figure in the Royals starting XI prior to his switch to north Wales, notched an impressive 11 goals this term for Hunt's side but his absence has meant Jayden Wareham and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan are the club's two sole striker options.

The versatile Bodin now looks set to join up at the SCL Stadium and help provide some ammunition and depth to the Royals on their quest for a coveted play-off spot in League One.

The Welsh attacker was involved in Oxford United's push for promotion from League One last season, as he played 36 times in the league, providing five goals and four assists for the side then managed by Des Buckingham.

Billy Bodin brings EFL experience and nous

Bodin brings considerable EFL experience to the Berkshire outfit, amassing over 300 appearances in the English Football League, spanning across stints with the likes of Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers, Preston North End and Oxford United.

It's unclear at this stage whether Noel Hunt views the Welshman as a player who will be pushed straight into the starting eleven or whether he'll be a player to merely bolster the depth of what is a youthful squad.