Stoke City striker Dave Kitson is returning on-loan to Reading today.

The Sun says the striker has flopped at the Britannia Stadium having failed to score since his summer £5.5million move.

Kitson, 29, is joining on loan until the summer with a view to a permanent move.

The deal comes too late for him to play against Charlton tonight as the Royals chase a return to the top flight.

A Stoke source said: "It's not rocket science to see Dave has not settled at Stoke. Going back to Reading could be what he needs and Reading seem able to get the best from him."