League One side Reading have rejected an offer from rivals Stevenage for 21-year-old Michael Craig.
The youngster is entering the final six months of his deal with the Royals which has prompted interest from Stevenage. They had hoped to secure him on a permanent deal this January but have seen their attempts rebuffed.
The versatile midfielder has been a solid performer this season, appearing in 24 League One fixtures contributing a single goal. He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.55. Only Lewis Wing, Sam Smith and Tyler Bindon have appeared in more minutes of football this season for the club.
Stevenage’s Bold Move
With the player’s contract coming to an end, many had expected Craig to be moving on either up a division or higher up in the same league. However, Stevenage have attempted to persuade him to take the step to the side currently seven places below them in the table, according to Pete O’Rourke. It is a bold move that has drawn some notably baffled responses from Royals fans on social media.
Reading on the Rise?
Reading have performed above expectations when their off field issues are taken into consideration. and find themselves just outside the play-off places despite losing two out of their last three fixtures. The loss of Ruben Selles to Hull City threatened to derail their season, but currently they have been able to keep pace with the play-off hunt.
Losing one of their star players at this stage of the season would be damaging, despite the threat of losing him for a compensation fee in the summer. Unfortunately, with the position they find themselves in his on field value, may be worth more than whatever transfer fee they could get for him now. At 21 years old there will still be a fee required in the summer as he is under the age of 23 which would either need to be decided by a tribunal or agreed between the two sides.
