Reading want to sign loan defenders Andy Griffin and Zurab Khizanishvili permanently - but only if they are free.
Right-back Griffin, 31, is surplus to requirements at Stoke and the same applies to Georgian defender Khizanishvili, 28, at Blackburn Rovers.
Both have enjoyed loan spells at Reading under boss Brian McDermott, who has been told there is little cash to spend in the summer.
Griffin said: "It's something I won't rule out. I've been very impressed by the manager."