Reading manager Brian McDermott has revealed that he has "two or three" targets ahead of the January transfer window.
The Royals have struggled on their return to the Premier League and are currently in 19th place in the table after 14 games.
"We need players who have played at this level and know the league," McDermott told reporters. "If we can get one or two players who know the league off by heart it's good because they can hit the ground running.
"We have two or three targets and if the budget's there, it's there and we have to wait. I'm involved in that decision-making process, but it comes down to finances.
"There could be a loan, but I only like to sign loan players that we might actually buy permanently."
Reading travel to fellow strugglers Southampton in the league on Saturday.