Udo Nwoko has moved a step closer to securing a move to Reading after the Nigerian-born forward underwent a medical at the Madejski Stadium, reports in the English media said yesterday.
Skysports.com claimed Reading are close to agreeing a transfer fee - believed to be in the region of €727,000 (£550,000) plus added incentives - for the Malta international who currently plays for Portuguese top-flight club Leixoes.
A number of websites reported that Nwoko has agreed a three-year contract with Reading and quoted Leixoes president Carlos Oliveira as saying that the two clubs have virtually reached agreement over his transfer.
"The deal is practically closed," Oliveira said.
Skysports.com also carried a short comment by Nwoko who spoke of his excitement at the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
"I know the Premier League from the television and it would be sensational to play there," Nwoko was quoted as saying.
"I am very excited and Reading is a fighter club which is perfect for my style of play."
Nwoko, whose contract with Leixoes had two-and-a-half years left to run, has made four appearances for Malta. The nippy forward, who moved to Malta at the age of 14, came through the youth ranks of Hibs.
The 23-year-old rejoined Hibs at the start of last season after a short loan spell with Marsaxlokk, with whom he won a Premier League medal, but Nwoko was on the move again in July after striking a deal to join Leixoes.
Nwoko is set to become the third Malta international to play in England.
At present, Michael Mifsud is the country's most famous football export thanks to his scoring exploits for Coventry, who play in the second tier of the English game.
Earlier this week, Mifsud grabbed the headlines once again after being named FA Cup Player of the Round following his brace in Coventry's 4-1 third round win over Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.
The speedy striker is also in contention to win the Football League's Goal of the Year award after his excellent solo strike against Sheffield Wednesday last season topped a poll among Coventry City fans.
The other Maltese player currently engaged with an English club is defender Luke Dimech. He plays for League Two club Macclesfield.