Reading hope to sign Birmingham City defender Curtis Davies for a bargain basement fee.
The Mirror says Reading are set to firm up their interest in Davies with a bargain £1million bid.
Cash-strapped Championship Brum have to sell to avoid administration.
Royals boss Brian McDermott has admitted making an initial enquiry for 27-year-old stopper Davies.
The Premier League strugglers now hope to exploit City's financial woes with a knock-down deal.