Reading

THE ESSENTIAL

Marcus Williams has extended his loan spell at Sheffield United. The Reading defender initially joined for a month but will now stay for 93 days.

Reading midfielder Brian Howard has joined Milwall on a three-month emergency loan deal. The 28-year-old has been at the Royals since 2009 and manager Brian McDermott said: "He feels he's at a stage where he wants to be playing regular first team football and we couldn't guarantee that."

Jake Taylor has joined Exeter on an initial one-month loan deal from Reading. The Wales U-21 midfielder has already played for Aldershot this season.

Simon Cox has said that he would welcome the signing of Republic of Ireland team-mate Shane Long at West Brom. With the Baggies closing in on a £7 million deal for the frontman from Reading, Cox has said he would relish the competition.

Fulham striker Andy Johnson is back on West Brom's radar after Reading priced them out of a move for Irish hitman Shane Long.

Mikele Leigertwood will have to forego his stag do after playing his part in guiding Reading to the Championship play-off final.

Reading have released Scott Davies and Julian Kelly after their contracts at the Madejski Stadium expired.

Shane Long continued his marvellous form as Reading stepped up their bid for a place in the Championship play-offs with a 3-1 win at Ipswich.

Wycombe Wanderers manager Gary Waddock has re-signed Reading midfielder Scott Davies on a three-month loan deal.

Reading striker Noel Hunt believes he is three weeks away from a return to full fitness after a lengthy injury lay-off.