Swindon Town are targeting a six-figure sale of defender Joel McGregor this summer as three higher division clubs eye a deal.
The 19-year-old has become a star of Ian Holloway’s side as they battle it out for a place in the League Two promotion race this season, and has 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
Premier League Duo Eye Cheap Deal
According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, both Brighton and Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth are weighing up a summer move for Joel McGregor, and could secure him at Swindon’s valuation of £500,000.
The Seagulls in particular have moved to recruit some of the best young talents in the EFL and non-league to fill their academy sides, with Tommy Watson and Carl Rushworth being two of many examples over recent years.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are considering signing the full-back with a view to loaning him back out elsewhere, but could come unstuck with League One promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers also interested in securing a deal.
The Trotters, who recruited at right wing-back this January with the signing of Stockport County‘s Josh Dacres-Cogley, could offer McGregor a more streamlined approach into a senior side.
With just over a year left on his contract in Wiltshire, now could be the best chance for Swindon to maximise the value they can get out of selling the 19-year-old, while also being able to insert beneficial clauses in negotiations.
Is A Sale The Best Option?
With promotion arguably at its closest it has been since dropping back down into League Two, blowing up Ian Holloway’s successful side could mark the start of a fallow season for Swindon Town.
While they have not achieved anything yet, the Robins have a definite and realistic chance of getting back into the third tier, and even if they miss out this season are well placed to challenge again if they retain their squad.
Joel McGregor has been a solid and promising prospect for Swindon since his ascension into the first team last season, and is a sign of the future for the County Ground side, so losing him and what is arguably a cheap price could be a big blow considering the club’s finances.
£500,000 feels a low price for a youth talent, but should he be able to kick on should he make a switch to a side like Brighton or Bournemouth, it could be a deal which pays dividends in additional clauses in years to come.