Reading have opened talked with Arsenal over a loan move for Under-23 captain Zane Monlouis until the end of the season.

In the market for a defender after losing Tom Holmes, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Tom McIntyre earlier in the window, options are limited as the Royals are unable to offer much in the way of financial support.

20-year-old Monlouis has 14 appearances to his name for the Young Gunners, coached by former Reading chief Mehmet Ali, including a start in the 5-2 defeat at the SCL Stadium in the EFL Trophy.

A former England Under-17 and Under-15 international, the centre-back would be brought in to push the likes of Tyler Bindon and Tom Holmes for the final chunk of the campaign.

The Reading Chronicle understands that talks are well underway, with the window slamming shut at 11pm.

At this stage, Monlouis looks like the most likely addition, but the club have other irons in the fire if needed.

Follow along in our live transfer blog right up to the deadline.