Reading are believed to be in negotiations with Championship rivals Nottingham Forest over the double signing of strikers Simon Cox and Jamie Mackie.

Cox has been linked with a move away from the City Ground throughout the summer, having only scored 14 goals in 82 games since arriving in 2012.

Reds manager Stuart Pearce has added Matty Fryatt and Dutchman Lars Veldwijk to his attacking ranks ahead of the new season and is believed to be willing to sanction Cox's return to the Madjeski Stadium.

Sky Sports News claims that the Royals are in talks with the Republic of Ireland international, who started his career in Berkshire, and are also keen to acquire fellow forward Mackie as part of the package.

Mackie joined Forest from Queens Park Rangers in 2013, but only scored four goals in 45 games last season.