Reading director of football Nick Hammond say the Royals are "actively" looking to sign a replacement left-back following Nicky Shorey's departure.

Shorey, 27, joined Aston Villa last week for an undisclosed fee.

Hammond told BBC Radio Berkshire: "We're speaking to some people at the moment in terms of potential permanent moves, to bring a player in.

"We're very active in trying to sign someone to play that position. I'd hope we'd do so in the a week or so."

Stephen Hunt filled the position left vacant by Shorey in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Hammond added: "He's (Reading boss Steve Coppell) still very comfortable in terms of the balance of the team and very happy to play Stephen Hunt at left-back, very happy to play Liam Rosenior at left-back, and Graeme Murty at right- back. So we've got options within the squad.

"But we are trying to bring another left-sided player into the squad and balance us up and obviously give Hunty the opportunity to move forward again depending on what the manager decides.

"I thought Hunty grew as the game went on and I thought he played exceptionally well second half."

Hammond was pleased with Reading's performance at the weekend: "I thought we were resolute.

"We didn't create as much as we'd like but I thought we grew as the game went on and I felt if someone was going to win it was going to be us.

"You're always looking for three points but it's a good point for us and I think we finished strongly which was encouraging. Their keeper made an unbelievable save from Kev to keep it out and stop us taking three points."

Hammond added: "Steve has quite clearly stated, quite publicly that if anyone wants our players they needed to come in the last two or three weeks and once the season starts it's becomes quite difficult to get them out."