Reading takeover: Nigel Adkins rules out transfer activity

Reading manager Nigel Adkins says it is unlikely he will add to his squad before Friday's transfer deadline.

The Royals are in takeover talks with a consortium from the United States, and a group from Oman are also said to be interested in buying the club.

Reading have been linked with Hull City defender Jack Hobbs - a move that now looks as if it will not be happening.

When asked if he would be signing anyone, Adkins told BBC Berkshire: "I wouldn't have thought so."

The club have been looking for new investors for several months, with majority shareholder Anton Zingarevich ready to sell his 51% stake.

The other 49% is owned by current chairman Sir John Madejski.

Reading had hoped to conclude talks with potential investors before the end of January in order to give Adkins time to strengthen his squad, but a takeover has so far failed to materialise.

"The board have got to sort things out and they will," he said. "All we can do is focus on the pitch and you can see the togetherness."

The Royals defeated Blackpool 5-1 on Tuesday and Adkins hailed the "togetherness" of his squad, which is set to be boosted by the likes of Sean Morrison, Mikele Leigertwood and Wayne Bridge returning from injury.

"Everyone is having a right go for each other," he added.

"We have players who have been out for a long period of time, who I'd like to think are getting a bit closer to the recovery process and we're going to look forward to enjoying the second half of the season.

"There has been loads of speculation about other areas of the club and we need to keep concentrate on driving things forward.

"I want to be back in the Premier League and I want us to play exciting football. The top positions are probably beyond us, but we are in the mix for the play-offs and it could still be a great season."