Reading Face Competition For Premier League Midfielder As Loan Deal Submitted

League One side Reading are understood to have submitted a loan deal to Premier League outfit Bournemouth to sign midfielder Gavin Kilkenny, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.

The 23-year-old, who spent time on loan at fellow League One side Charlton Athletic last season, is expected to be on the move on deadline day, with Reading submitting an offer to bring the Irishman in on loan.

The Royals however face competition from other sides in the third tier, as well as from Scotland as the race for his signature heats up with hours to go on deadline day.

Reading, who were relegated from the Championship last season alongside Wigan Athletic and Blackpool, have so far made seven signings this summer, with the standouts including Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith, who both signed from Cambridge United, as well as Charlie Savage, with the midfielder making a permanent move from Manchester United.

Kilkenny has gone on to make a total of 24 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League outfit in a somewhat hot and cold spell at the club. The Irish midfielder had also appeared four times for Stoke City in the first half of the 2022/23 season.

The midfielder then went out on loan to Charlton Athletic for the second half of the last campaign but struggled to make an impact at The Valley as he only went on to appear eight times in all competitions for The Addicks.

Rubén Sellés’ side currently sit 16th in the League One table after their first five matches, with the Royals so far winning two of them and losing the other three, as well as scoring four goals and conceding four.

Writer’s View

Gavin Kilkenny is now at an age in which he needs to start playing regular football following unconvincing spells at both Stoke City and Charlton Athletic. Reading are the next club, as well as others, who are willing to take a chance on the Irishman in an attempt to get his career back on track.

It could be a good deal if Reading were to get the signing over the line, with the midfielder previously making 24 appearances for Bournemouth in mainly the Championship, so there is clearly something in the player that’s worth going for.

It will be interesting to see what happens with this one.

 

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