Reading Eyeing Trio Of Potential Targets

Reading are considering a trio of potential targets as they look to bounce back from relegation to League One, according to the Mirror’s Darren Witcoop.

Experienced campaigners Harlee Dean and Chris Martin are said to be on the Royals’ shopping list, alongside Manchester United youngster Charlie Savage.

Dean was most recently on the books at Birmingham City, making his 200th appearance for the Blues on the final day of last season, before being released following the expiration of his contract after six years at St Andrew’s. Manager Rubén Sellés is reportedly keen on offering the 31-year-old a contract, after impressing on trial in recent days.

Veteran forward Martin, who scored once in 10 appearances for Reading during a loan spell in 2018, is also a free agent after his short-term contract with Queen’s Park Rangers ended in June. Fellow relegated side Blackpool are amongst those rumoured to be chasing the 34-year-old, who scored four goals in 16 appearances at the back end of last season.

Savage, who has appeared briefly in the Champions League for Manchester United, joined Forest Green on loan for the second half of last season, impressing in his 15 games despite the Gloucestershire-based side suffering relegation from League One.

The 20-year-old has been subject to plenty of speculation over his future, with Reading joining Wigan Athletic and Championship sides Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday in chasing the Wales U21 international’s services.

It is reported that deals are not currently close for the three targets due to the intense interest from other EFL clubs.

A Frustrating Summer Window

Frustrations arose this window as the Royals were unable to finalise deals with the EFL, amongst a whole host of issues surrounding an unpaid tax bill.

The English Football League had already charged the Berkshire-based outfit with multiple breaches of EFL Regulations, since their relegation from the Championship. Reading finally received positive news last week when it was announced that they were no longer under a transfer embargo, with forwards Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith moving to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Writer’s View

Harlee Dean would be an excellent acquisition for Reading, who will most certainly be looking to gain promotion back to the Championship this season. He is hugely experienced at this level and the level above, including making 16 appearances in England’s second-tier last term. With the added benefit of Dean being a free agent, his signature would be a real statement of intent.

Chris Martin has spent the previous decade playing Championship football and is best known for his spell at Derby, where he scored 67 times in 201 league appearances. The striker would provide a goal scoring threat, experience in the changing room, and he knows the club following his short loan spell just over five years ago.

Charlie Savage could prove the most difficult to tempt to Berkshire, with interest in either a permanent or loan move from a number of clubs including those in the Championship. If they were to secure his services, it would likely be on the promise of game time and the prospect of fighting at the top end of League One.