Reading have decided to make a new signing just days before facing Preston – and their new recruit is former North End winger Brandon Barker.
The Royals are in truly dismal form and have now lost seven Championship games in a row.
With 23 goals conceded in that run, Reading can’t buy a result at the moment and are in danger of relegation.
Preston welcome Reading to Deepdale on Saturday afternoon and will now face off against former loanee Barker.
Reading have today confirmed the signing of Barker on a free transfer until the end of the season having been released by Rangers.
Barker is now in contention for the trip to Preston, almost three years since leaving the club at the end of his loan stay.
Preston pounced to sign Barker on loan from Manchester City in the summer of 2018, believing he would bring speed and dynamism in the final third.
Barker showed glimpses of his quality, including a stunning solo goal against Leeds United, but he was too inconsistent and injury prone.
North End chose not to sign Barker permanently, and that allowed Rangers to swoop in and take him up to Ibrox.
Barker was never able to make the grade under Steven Gerrard, and was released on deadline day in January in order to facilitate a move to another club.
Reading now think Barker is worth a punt, hoping he can provide a spark in their battle against the drop.
With a return to Deepdale coming in just a matter of days, Barker will be hoping to start in style by showing Preston what they’re missing.