Reading are willing to listen to offers for key player Tom Holmes before the end of the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider.

The Royals’ financial woes are no secret, with the League One club having been sanctioned with two transfer embargoes over the space of the last few months. Having settled an overdue tax bill earlier this month, the club are now able to trade as normal and are still considered to be active in the transfer market as they look to bolster their squad before the end of the current window.

However, cash is still tight and vice-captain Holmes is considered to be one of the Berkshire club’s most valuable assets.

This has led to Reading changing their stance on the defender’s availability, having reportedly rejected bids from Nottingham Forest and Luton Town last summer.

Holmes has become an ever-present at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after breaking out through their academy, notching up 119 appearances in all competitions since his debut in 2018, although became a regular in 2020 following a loan spell with Belgian side KSV Roeselare.

Football Insider’s report states that the League One newcomers see the centre-back as a player that could raise significant funds, backed up by Transfermarkt’s €5 million valuation.

Holmes is under contract until 2025, having signed a new three-year deal last summer. He started Reading’s first two league games of the season, although was absent for their first league win of the season against Cheltenham Town at the weekend.

Writer’s View

Holmes is definitely a player who could generate significant funds for Reading and it is no surprise to see them change their stance on his availability.

Having been subject of interest from the Premier League last summer, the defender is clearly one that should be playing at a higher level than League One and it is likely that there will be heavy interest in him, particularly from the Championship.

Reading’s financial situation will come into play here and club’s will be looking to take advantage of that. It is unlikely that his full valuation will be met, with the Royals in dire need of cash. Any potential bidder will be aware of this. Expect this one to go until the end of the transfer window on September 1st.