Reading FC are among the clubs competing for the signature of Devante Cole this summer.
The Royals are in desperate need of adding to their attacking options and are keen on signing the 30-year-old.
However, they are facing competition from other League One clubs, including Port Vale, who were promoted from League Two last season.
Reading currently only have one recognised striker in the squad, loanee Mark O’Mahony, while Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, who has mainly been used on the wing can also play as a central striker.
While Reading have explored the potential of signing Cole, it appears that Port Vale is his preferred option as they close in on finalising a deal.
Reading boss Noel Hunt has admitted that the team are currently ‘short’ in attacking areas with the club still active in the transfer market to try and rectify that issue.
Cole, who started in the Manchester City academy, has vast experience in the EFL, predominantly in League One.
He has played for Barnsley, MK Dons, Bradford City, Fleetwood Town, Wigan Athletic, Burton Albion, Motherwell, Doncaster Rovers and spent last season in the Championship with West Brom.
His most successful goalscoring season came with Barnsley in League One in the 2023/24 campaign where he netted 18 times in 46 games having totalled 15 league goals the previous season.
