Luton eye transfer raid for Reading duo Tom Holmes and Nelson Abbey, as Rob Edwards looks to bring in defensive reinforcements to help his side avoid the drop 

• e-mail

Luton have eyed Reading duo Tom Holmes and Nelson Abbey as defensive reinforcements.

After a tough adjustment period at the start of the season, Rob Edwards' side look to be dealing with the pressures of the Premier League much better.

A last-minute equaliser against Burnley on Friday night encapsulated Luton's drive and determination.

But, defensive frailties and a lack of quality defenders have held back Luton from climbing the table.

Now, they look to be doing some great business as they aim to steal the highly-rated academy duo Holmes and Abbey.

Tom Holmes of Reading tries to defend Reiss Nelson during an EFL Cup match earlier this season

Rob Edwards has weathered the storm with Luton so far and is looking for reinforcements

Earlier this season, Garth Crooks said the club would be 'down by Christmas', Paul Merson described them as 'a cut below the rest' and the bookmakers who installed them as relegation certainties tended to agree.

However, Luton are defying their doubters and showing an impressive determination to extend their Premier League stay beyond just the one season.

Edwards could have funds to spend this month and he said ahead of the trip to Burnley: 'We've got to do it in our way, so I don't see us as paupers.

'If, and it's a big if, we can stay at this level, and keep competing for a longer period of time then we'll be in a better position to keep growing and building.

'It's our first year in the Premier League, we're never going to go out and be able to match a lot of the other clubs, but that doesn't mean we can't go out and sign good players.'

Both Reading academy products Nelson Abbey (pictured) and Holmes have been highly rated