A DECISION on Reading FC misfit Paolo Hurtado's future will be made before the end of the week, sources have revealed.

The Peruvian winger failed to settle in to life in Berkshire following his switch to England in 2015, making just six appearances for the Royals.

He quickly fell down the pecking order at Madejski Stadium and was loaned to Vitória de Guimarães in the Portugese top-flight.

But Hurtado quickly re-captured his best form at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques and has scored 10 goals in 41 appearances.

He even caught the eye of current Royals' boss Jaap Stam, who suggested he would have recalled the Peruvian if he had the opportunity.

Now, with just a year left on his contract at Madejski Stadium, Royals have to decide whether to cash in on Hurtado or allow him to run down his contract and potentially leave on a free transfer next summer.

Sources close to the player claim that Vitória is keen on bringing Hurtado back to the club on a permanent deal and discussions between the club and Reading FC are ongoing.

However, the Chronicle understands the negotiations will conclude at the end of this week.

The source said: "The negotiations between the clubs continue and the next few days should be decisive."

Former Royals boss Steve Clarke signed Hurtado from another Portuguese side, Pacos de Ferreira, in August 2015 for around £1m.

But the winger faced an immediate language barrier and struggled to settle into the squad.

Premier League sides West Ham United and Bournemouth were recently linked with moves for the player.