After Joel Ward left Crystal Palace as a free agent following their triumphant FA Cup campaign, where they had lifted the trophy for the first time in their history, the Premier League defender has trial period with the Royals between late December and early January.
Ward was photographed training at Bearwood Park and was later shared by Royals fan-favourite Derrick Williams on social media platform Instagram.
The Reading Chronicle understands that despite his lengthy trial with Reading FC, the club ultimately decided against signing the experienced defender.
Joel Ward would then go on to be announced as Championship side Swansea City's newest player on January 9, have signing the former Crystal Palace defender on a deal through to the end of the season.
The 36-year-old joined the Swans having spent 13 seasons with the Eagles, and was on the bench for their FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
Ward, who came through the youth ranks at Portsmouth, made more than 300 appearances for Palace in the Premier League after moving to Selhurst Park in 2012.