READING are being linked with former Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland – but appear to have missed out on Peterborough United’s Marcus Maddison.

Royals boss Paul Clement is thought to be chasing 31-year-old Ireland, who was released by the Potters last season after their relegation from the Premier League.

His former club Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers are also showing an interest in Ireland, who played four times for Stoke last season including only one start.

The Cork-born former Manchester City star spent five years at Stoke and is available on a free.

Royals have already added to their Irish contingent this summer with the capture of fellow Corkman David Meyler from Hull City and John O’Shea from Sunderland, both on free transfers.

In addition, Barnsley right-back Andy Yiadom came in on another free, while Clement is keen to turn Tommy Elphick's loan from Aston Villa last season into a permenent deal.

Royals are also being heavily linked with Leeds United midfielder Kemar Roofe amid unconfirmed reports of a £7million bid.

But the club’s pursuit of Peterborough’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Maddison now appears to have been unsuccessful.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony this week rated the player’s potential chances of moving to Madejski Stadium as ‘doubtful’ on social media.

Championship rivals Nottingham Forest and Derby County are now leading the chase for Maddison, who is said to have a £2.5m release clause in his contract.

Meanwhile, Royals ace John Swift is being tracked by Fulham following their promotion back to the top flight via the Championship play-offs.

Sources suggest the Cottagers are lining up a £12m bid for the 22-year-old, who signed a new five-year deal last summer.

Brighton & Hove Albion have been linked with Reading’s Player of the Year Liam Moore, though the club will not listen to offers for the centre-back under the £15m mark.

Royals flop Sandro Wieser has signed a three-year deal with FC Vaduz of Lichtenstein after his contract was terminated recently.

Wieser, 25, failed to make a first-team appearance during his two years at Reading.