Reading appear to have won the race for the signature of Pavel Pogrebnyak.
The Premier League new boys have reportedly agreed a four-year deal worth more than £6m with the the Russia striker.
The 28-year-old will pocket £30,000 a week after the Royals, who are funded by Russian-born owner Anton Zingarevich, beat off interest from rivals Fulham and Aston Villa, according to reports.
Pogrebnyak caught the eye during a loan spell at Fulham last season but boss Martin Jol has been outbid.
Reading boss Brian McDermott said: ‘We are trying to get players in, but with any good player there is always going to be competition.’
Pogrebynak bagged six goals in 12 starts for Fulham during a loan spell from Stuttgart, but will be a free agent at the end of the month.
