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Reading are in the race to sign York City striker Josh Stones

Reading are among the five clubs who are interested in a summer move for York City star Josh Stones.

Stones has been eyed by Oxford United, Luton Town, Stockport County, Wycombe Wanderers and the Royals amid York's National League title bid.

The former Wigan Athletic man has notched 13 goals and six assists in 32 fifth-tier appearances this term, and could make an EFL return in the summer.

Stones previously spent time on loan with Oldham Athletic in the National League before Wigan sanctioned his permanent transfer to York in January 2025.

Reading told Josh Stones can succeed with Royals if summer swoop is made

Reading boosted their play-off chances with a 2-1 victory over Bradford City on Saturday, and could be playing their football in the Championship next term.

Meanwhile, Football League World asked our Royals fan pundit, Johnny Hunt, if he likes the idea of his side signing Stones.

Hunt told FLW: "I think we've got to look for hungry, young talent. There's plenty out there in the lower leagues that certainly can play at a higher level.

"Stones is doing well at York, but then we've got Sean Patton coming through, who I think is a very promising talent as well. With (Jack) Marriott being out injured for however long, we need to find goals and, hopefully, Patton can help do that this season.

"Then, depending on where we are next season, over the summer, looking at what we can do in the transfer market. Those kinds of players that are hungry to prove themselves in the higher levels, playing non-league or whatever.

"We didn't do badly last time. We did something like that with (Kevin) Doyle and (Shane) Long all those years ago. So I think it will be a good, Reading-type signing. Not too expensive, more on potential than experience. Definitely a good one."

Josh Stones may not be ready for the Championship if Reading are promoted

As alluded to by Hunt, Reading's attacking options are currently limited by Marriott's hamstring injury.

The 31-year-old has been key to the Royals' League One play-off bid, scoring 16 goals and making three assists in 23 third-tier appearances.

In Marriott's absence, Leam Richardson opted to start Kelvin Ehibatiomhan, but it was late goals from substitutes Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie that sealed the comeback victory over Bradford.

The former Wrexham man's injury will also lead to more game time for teenager Sean Patton, who has returned to the Royals from his loan spell with Aldershot Town.

Meanwhile, adding Stones to their ranks this summer would increase the number of promising young players at Reading's disposal.

However, if Richardson's men win promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs, the 22-year-old would not be an acquisition.

The Royals boss doesn't have a strong second-tier record, having previously been sacked by both Wigan and Rotherham United, and could need experienced Championship players in his squad next term.

In contrast, Stones has a lack of EFL experience, having enjoyed little playing time with the Latics before joining York last year.