Senegalese international Daniel Bocande could be heading for Reading after earning a trial with Steve Coppell's men.
Bocande currently plays for Ligue 2 leaders Metz and played 90 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly with Charlton on Tuesday.
Having played just once for Metz this season Bocande is desperate to make an impact in order to earn a transfer to the Madejski Stadium.
Meanwhile, Coppell is also said to be interested in Cork City defender Alan Bennett.
The former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international is meant to be one of the best defenders in the Eircom League and could cost around £300,000.
Cork sold both Kevin Doyle and Shane Long to Reading in 2005 and their director of football Nicky Hammond has confirmed that the Premiership club has made an enquiry about Bennett.