Even though his first signing of the summer was a striker, Brian McDermott is still looking to strengthen his forward line. Today the word is that he’s likely to sign Noel Hunt, after reports that Millwall have abandoned their attempts to sign the Reading player.

Hunt will be a free agent from July 1, when his contract at Reading expires, after he turned down the offer of a 12 extension to his current deal. He is looking for more security, and it seems that his old boss Brian McDermott is the man to provide it. McDermott was a guest at Hunt’s wedding and the 30 year-old striker was a regular member of the first team during his spell in charge of the Royals. In total Hunt made more than 150 appearances for Reading between 2008 and the end of last season.

McDermott admitted earlier this week that he was “inches away” from landing another recruit and last night he told the Yorkshire Post “That’s ongoing at the moment and I’d like to think that in the next couple of days we’ll have a verbal agreement in place.” And the Post are also reporting that Millwall have given up on Hunt after being told that his heart was set on a move to Leeds. 

We have also been linked with another ex-Reading striker in the shape of Kevin Doyle, who is now at Wolves, but he won’t be planning his future until he’s had a meeting with the new Wanderers boss Kenny Jackett on June 24th. Celtic have also expressed an interest in the player, and could offer him Champions League football if they can tempt him to move to Glasow.

With all these strikers at the club there will certainly be stiff competition for places next season, and It’s likely that Hunt and McCormack would be the first choice strikers, with Matt Smith being used as an impact substitute, coming off the bench to unsettle the opposing defence. Morison will have to return to full fitness to come into contention for a regular place, and where does this leave Diouf? Has McDermott grown tired of his behaviour over the last couple of months, or will he still be getting the opportunity to make a few cameo appearances off the bench? 

So it seems that McDermott is making good progress with improving one area of the squad. Let’s hope he manages to get the players he needs in other departments before the season starts in just over seven weeks time.

Photo: Action Images

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