Chris Gunter: Reading boss Brian McDermott hoping to seal new deal

Chris Gunter joined Reading from Nottingham Forest in summer 2012

Reading manager Brian McDermott hopes to sit down and agree a new contract with defender Chris Gunter.

The 26-year-old Wales international's current deal runs out in the summer.

Former Nottingham Forest player Gunter has played 35 games in all competitions for the Royals this season.

"I've had a chat with Chris and we'd like to try to keep him," said McDermott. "Let's see if we can come to an arrangement and go back to talking about football instead of contracts."

Right-back Gunter has been an ever-present for Reading this season and looks set to travel to Euro 2016 with Wales in the summer.

Meanwhile, McDermott is expected to welcome back defenders Paul McShane and Michael Hector as well as midfielder Aaron Tshibola for the FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Walsall on Saturday.

Following the departure of striker Orlando Sa to Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday, McDermott also confirmed winger Paolo Hurtado could be set for a loan move to Portugal until the end of the season.

Striker Dominic Samuel is also expected to extend his loan deal at Gillingham before the end of the transfer window.