Reading FC have been dealt a transfer blow after striker Andy Carroll is set to join West Bromwich Albion.
Carroll joined the Royals on a short-term deal in November which ran until mid-January.
The striker made eight Championship appearances for the club and scored twice.
He netted an excellent solo goal in Reading’s 3-2 away win at Swansea City and also scored the opener in an away loss to Middlesbrough.
The club had remained optimistic that they would be able to retain the services of the forward until the end of the season.
Carroll had been linked with several clubs, including Premier League Burnley after his impressive stint in Berkshire.
But he is now set to join fellow Championship side West Brom, who are seeking for a return to the top flight after relegation from the Premier League last season.
The Baggies started strongly under new manager Valerien Ismael but have fallen away in recent weeks which has seen them drop away from the automatic promotion places.
They are however still in the hunt for the top six and are currently in fifth position on 45 points from 22 games.
