Reading FC have been told the price that they will have to pay to secure the services of transfer target Ronan Hale this summer.
With just a week to go until the start of the new League One season, Reading look desperately short in attack.
With last season’s top goalscorer Harvey Knibbs on his way out of the club to join Charlton Athletic imminently, manager Noel Hunt is determined to boost his front line before the end of the transfer window.
One of the names linked with a potential move is the 26-year-old striker who plays for Scottish Championship side Ross County.
Hale scored 12 times in 36 Scottish Premiership games, 18 in 42 in all competitions last season, but wasn’t able to help his side escape relegation from the top division.
Having started his professional career with Birmingham City, Hale spent time in semi-professional football before he was purchased by Ross County on a three-year deal last summer for an undisclosed fee.
He has also won one international cap for Northern Ireland.
Reading have not purchased a player this summer for a fee and have been told by the Scottish side that they would have to spend a seven-figure sum to sign the forward who has been a reported target for several League One sides.
Speaking to the Ross-Shire Journal, County chairman Roy MacGregor said: “Nobody will get pinched. If someone comes in and offers us £1million for Ronan Hale, we’ll have to consider it, but they will have to push the boat.”
Reading are currently heading into the new season with just one recognised striker in the squad, 20-year-old Brighton loanee Mark O’Mahony, while Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan may also be used in a central striking role.
