The Royals remain bottom of the Premier League table following Monday night's 5-2 hammering at home by Arsenal, and Brian McDermott is favourite to get the bullet before the New Year transfer window.
The Berkshire's Russian owner Anton Zingarevich maintains funds will be available to bring in fresh faces in the new year - but who will spend it?
McDermott reckons players with top-flight experience could prove pivotal in the club's relegation fight, and revealed he has spoken to Zingarevich about potential targets.
Brian McDermott: "I had a discussion (with Zingarevich), we had a four hour meeting the other day and talked about players coming through the door.
"January is a very difficult window, especially if you are struggling and are where we are in the league.
"I can't see this club ever spending a fortune in January, I just don't think it is going to happen. Having said that we have to try and find some experience to come through the door for us.
"I think that if we can, they are the kind of players we should be going for."