By Daniel Feliciano

29th Dec, 2021 | 1:10pm

Update given on John Swift transfer to Leeds in January

Leeds would have to pay an “extraordinary amount” to sign John Swift in January with the player not expecting a move, according to LeedsLive.

The Whites have been linked with a move for the Reading midfielder since the summer, but a move didn’t materialise and he instead stayed with the Royals.

With eight goals and nine assists so far this season in the Championship he has been unable to help Reading too much as they flirt with the relegation zone and he enters the final six months of his contract.

There had been suggestions that Leeds could secure a deal for Swift in January fairly easily, but according to LeedsLive that isn’t the case.

They say that 26-year-old Swift isn’t expecting to move in January unless Reading receive an ‘extraordinary amount of money’ and that Leeds are yet to put any ‘serious energy’ into their pursuit of the midfielder.

Priorities

It’s interesting that Leeds have yet to put any serious energy into the transfer of Swift considering he would improve them greatly.

He adds goals and assists from midfield and would help boost a light squad in numbers too. He has good technique, great passing ability and is a leader on the pitch too which is something that Bielsa’s side has lacked.

A deal was seemingly relatively easy to do because of his contract situation, but this latest update makes it seem as though that isn’t the case.

There is also no suggestion that Swift, who Bielsa has called ‘great‘ before, would push for a move away from the Madejski Stadium, which would hinder Leeds in the negotiations.

It seems as though Reading have made their mind up on a potential January move and Leeds are going to have to either move on or pay up if they want to improve their squad.

In other Leeds news, pundit says player will ‘for sure’ move to Leeds if he leaves current club.