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Leeds United could get creative force for free in the summer
Leeds United may have to wait until the summer to sign Reading’s top scorer and assist maker John Swift, according to the Mirror’s David Anderson.
The 26-year-old has been touted to leave the Select Car Leasing Stadium this month and Marcelo Bielsa is keen to bring him to Elland Road.
Anderson, however, believes that Swift would prefer to stay the season with the Royals and have a choice of clubs when his contract expires at the end of the season.
“The only thing I have been told about him is that he would prefer to leave it until the summer and then obviously take his pick of clubs,” Anderson said, speaking to Give Me Sport.
“Obviously, if you leave on a Bosman, it means you get a bigger salary compared to if you were to move now.
“What I’m being told is he’s prepared to see the season out with Reading and then, whether they get relegated or not, move in the summer.”
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Patience is a virtue
This is maybe the best thing Leeds United could hear right now if they are still keen to pursue the 26-year-old.
If Bielsa and the club were to persist in trying to sign him in January, they could be forced to pay over the odds with Reading reluctant to lose their star man.
And for the Royals, the financial aspect of selling Swift now would probably be outweighed if they were to be relegated from the Championship, down into League One and then some.
In theory, everyone can benefit from Swift remaining where he is right now as it would give Reading the best chance of survival and Leeds wouldn’t have to pay a penny come the summer.
The player himself will likely receive a higher wage than he would if he were to move mid-season as well so it seems like Whites may have to wait six months to see Swift unveiled.
In other Leeds United news, they are ready to seal a last-ditch deal for this player after a major development.