Reading journalist Jonathan Low says that there is 'something in' reports of an Everton interest in striker Lucas Joao, and it is 'one to keep an eye on'.

The Lowdown: Everton interest

As per The Daily Mail's live transfer blog (15:16 pm), the Goodison Park outfit are 'showing an interest' in signing Joao, as they still want to add to their front line before the deadline:

"Everton are showing an interest in Reading's 6ft 4ins striker Lucas Joao as they search for a late addition to their strike force."

The Latest: Interest backed up

Taking to Twitter, Low says that there is 'something in' the Joao reports, and it is 'one to keep an eye on' in the last couple of hours of the transfer window:

"Mail reporting Everton are looking at signing Lucas Joao from #readingfc. Given the close connections between the two clubs, would say there is something in this so certainly one to keep an eye on over the next few hours. Today is the last day Royals can get a fee for him, too."

The Verdict: Just get it done

With less than two hours left of the transfer window to go, the Merseyside club just need to bring bodies in now to help them for the second half of the season.

Given that Joao's contract expires in the summer, they should be able to negotiate a cut-price deal for him, which may suit both clubs as Reading would risk losing him for free in the summer otherwise.

He has scored five goals so far in the Championship this season, and has reached double figures for goals in three other league campaigns (Transfermarkt), showing that he knows where the back of the net is.

Yes, the Premier League is a big step up, but Joao would no doubt want to prove himself at a higher level, and so this is a deal that could potentially get done before the deadline.