Football transfers: John Swift wants to stay at Reading FC

Reports in recent months have linked Swift with a Premier League move this January, but sources with knowledge of the situation have told The Chronicle that Swift himself is not interested in leaving Reading in the upcoming transfer window.

Currently top of both the goal and assist charts at the club with eight and nine respectively, losing Swift would be a major blow to Reading’s chances this season as they look to drag themselves out of the relegation battle.

And while The Chronicle understands that there has been Premier League interest in the player, any potential move is being looked at for the summer rather than in January.

John Swift scoring against QPR earlier this season. Image by: JasonPIX

There has been tentative interest in a winter move from other Championship sides, but Swift is aiming to stay at Reading at least until the expiry of his contract in June.

Now in his sixth season at Reading after joining in July 2016, Swift doesn't want to leave the club in the lurch and if he is to depart, hopes to do it after at minimum helping his side secure their Championship status for next season.

Of course, this will be the final window that Reading could potentially get a fee for Swift but keeping him for the survival fight is likely more valuable.

Reading currently sit 21st in the Championship table, just two points clear of the relegation zone. They were set to face Luton Town on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in front of a bumper crowd in celebration of the club’s 150th anniversary, but the game has now been postponed due to an outbreak of positive Covid cases.

Read More: Reading FC's 150th anniversary clash with Luton Town postponed after Covid outbreak

Swift, who missed last weekend’s defeat to West Brom with a hamstring problem, will be looking to make his return to the Reading team when they visit Peterborough on Boxing Day