Jermain Defoe wanted to front new-look Reading strikeforce

Blonde ambition: Reading want Defoe

The Royals have already brought in five new faces ahead of their return to the Premier League, with veteran full-back Nicky Shorey sealing his return to the Madejeski yesterday, following the acquisitions of Pavel Pogrebnyak, Danny Guthrie, Garath McCleary and teenager Pierce Sweeney.

However, Reading are not stopping there - manager Brian McDermott is keen to add at least another two players to his squad before the big kick-off, with Premier League experience a key factor.

That has prompted McDermott to look at proven top flight players, and his search has led him to Jermain Defoe, who is seeking showdown talks at Tottenham having been frozen out under the latter months of Harry Redknapp's reign.

Defoe wants assurances over his future under new boss Andre Villas-Boas, but before talks have even got underway, Reading have already offered themselves as a potential escape route and are ready to stump up £5m to get the England international striker.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a respected career in English football, scoring 195 goals in 470 matches, for clubs including West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham, where he is currently in his second spell.

Reading are now ready to offer Defoe a chance to continue his goalscoring exploits in Berkshire, as they bid to retain their Premier League status for next season.