Reading are eyeing a loan move for Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.

The Sun says United boss Alex Ferguson is considering letting the England striker go.

The Royals have made the first move for the 22-year-old.

They have been encouraged by United's response and hope to clinch a deal by the weekend.

Welbeck has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season since Robin van Persie's arrival. He is also behind Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.