Leeds United are looking to snap up the signing of Reading midfielder John Swift this summer with a bid in the region of £7million – regardless of which league they might be in next season.
The reputable Football Insider claim that the Whites are ready to launch the seven figure offer at the end of the season in a move which would match the fee paid for Patrick Bamford last season and that a bid will be made both with Leeds in the Championship or in the Premier League.
Is he special?
Leeds certainly seem to think so with that sort of fee and they must feel as though he has plenty to offer at Elland Road. A central midfielder who can also operate further up the pitch in an attacking role, he has stood out for all the right reasons at Reading, scoring five goals and chipping in with another three assists in his 34 appearances – although he also has a record of picking up yellow cards, with nine to his name. With 13 caps for England’s under-21 side, he was a prodigious talent on the international stage and will no doubt be hoping to hit new heights over the next couple of years. With Leeds having a lack of midfielders at their disposal, namely those of an attacking nature, it should come as no surprise to see them keeping a close eye on his performances with the Royals.
Where will he fit in at Leeds?
That is simple – in the midfield. There is a distinct lack of creativity coming from the middle of the park and while Adam Forshaw has tried to inject something into the side, he is not the answer. What Leeds fans should look forward to is the prospect of Swift lining up alongside fellow 23-year-old Kalvin Phillips in the midfield, the duo looking like they would balance each other out perfectly. With Phillips’ all action performances and Swift’s creative offerings, Leeds would form a fearful partnership, and one which would likely thrive either in the top flight or second tier next season.
Interesting fact
Swift has appeared at every level of England’s youth system from the under-16s to the under 21s.