Hibs have been handed a boost in their attempts to sign Marc McNulty on a permanent deal after Reading manager Jose Gomes admits he needs to get players off his wage bill.
McNulty is due to return to the Royals for pre-season training on July 1 as things stand after scoring eights goals in 15 appearances – earning his first Scotland caps in the process – during a successful four month loan spell at Easter Road.
However, Hibs head coach Paul Heckingbottom has made no secret of his desire to recruit the 26-year-old on a permanent agreement, while McNulty, who still has three years run on his contract at the Madejski stadium, said on Monday he would do all he could to force through a deal to return to Easter Road.
And it appears that Reading boss Gomes will not make life difficult for the Leith outfit as he bids to free up cash to add summer signings.
Gomes, speaking to the Reading Chronicle, said: “We need to reduce the budget and the number of players that we have to get some money and make a good job of the following weeks.
“We have players that have finished their contract and others that are still under contract, but we must find a way to resolve the problem because they can’t go on with us any more.
“I have a clear picture which players we must move on and which we should bring in if we can.
“Now is a question of starting to do this, but first we must move players and find a space to bring in targets.
“We have until June 30 to make money with players otherwise we can’t make any contract offers.”
Gomes admits he is planning discussions with McNulty adding: “I will talk with all the players because they deserve respect.
“The players are intelligent and know that we need to make money to reduce the budget.
“Even if they’re not happy with the decisions, they will understand because it’s a financial thing.”
