Reading have entered what is described as competition among multiple EFL clubs for Ross County striker Ronan Hale, 27, as interest in him increases. Other clubs reportedly interested include Gillingham, Salford City, Wigan Athletic, and Stevenage. Gillingham are said to be the main club pursuing him, and after their £200,000 bid was rejected, they made an improved offer. This led the Northern Ireland international to submit a transfer request. Reading are monitoring Hale’s situation following his omission from the squad last week, which manager Stuart Kettlewell attributed to illness. It is believed that Reading manager Leam Richardson is primarily interested in signing a new forward. Hale joined Ross County in July 2024 and is under contract until May 2027; he has scored 7 goals in 18 Scottish Championship appearances this season, and his current market value is listed by Transfermarkt as €400k.