After narrowly missing out on a play-off place in League One, Reading are reportedly turning their attention to the transfer window for a promising non-league star.
The Royals suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Barnsley on the final day of the season and could not overtake in-form Leyton Orient for the final play-off position, missing out by just three points.
Reading Midfield Key Component of Play-off Chase
The trio of Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage and Harvey Knibbs were instrumental in the Royals’ play-off push with an incredible 49 goal contributions between them.
Wing is arguably one of the better players in the third tier, and he ended the campaign in terrific form, scoring in each of the three final matches.
It may be a struggle for Reading to keep hold of the former Middlesbrough midfielder amid their ongoing takeover issues, as he has been exceptional since joining on a free transfer from Wycombe Wanderers.
Both Wing and attacking-midfielder Knibbs average over 2.4 tackles per game in addition to their creativity and threat in front of goal.
26-year-old Knibbs was the team’s top scorer with 14 goals in League One, and it is now back-to-back campaigns where he has reached double figures for goals.
22-year-old Savage is the creative spark and provided nine assists. His 1.3 key passes per game were second only to star player Wing.
However, despite the midfield appearing to be a particularly strong component of this Reading squad, there are reports that the club are targeting further depth in that area in the summer transfer window.
National League South Midfielder Attracting EFL Interest
The National League South play-offs may have commenced, but one side who are not competing is Weston Super-Mare, after three defeats to end the campaign saw them lose out on a top-seven finish by four points.
One of their bright sparks was former Bristol City academy graduate Dylan Kadji. The 21-year-old midfielder played 43 matches in all competitions and is comfortable operating in the six and eight roles.
He provided nine goal contributions from the middle of the pitch and is now attracting interest from several EFL clubs, according to Darren Witcoop on X, with Reading one of the interested clubs named.
The player has previously appeared in the EFL during loan spells with Forest Green and Swindon Town, but he has now elevated his game and should move up a couple of levels at least in the English Football Pyramid.
The report states that clubs are looking to sign the player on a free transfer, so there may be a scramble for his signature this summer as he would represent value for money.