SAINTS forward Dom Ballard is set to finalise a loan move to League One outfit Reading, the Daily Echo understands.

The 18 year old is likely to link back up with former coach Ruben Selles, who gave him three additional appearances after he scored on his EFL Cup debut last season.

Ballard netted back-to-back hattricks in the first two matches of the Premier League 2 campaign before manager Russell Martin watched him in the defeat to Liverpool’s under-21s.

The striker was nominated for the Premier League 2 player of the year award last term as his 13 goals in 16 matches saw the under-21s side win the Division Two title.

Ballard had told the Daily Echo this month that he believes he can force his way into Martin’s plans but that he would be happy to go out on loan if requested.

The Daily Echo understands Ballard will report to Reading tomorrow to finalise his first loan move in senior football.

Ballard will hope to get regular game time under Selles with 25 goals in 31 appearances for the under-21s and 27 goals in 34 appearances for the under-18s.