4 Reading FC transfer matters that Paul Ince will have to deal with very soon

Reading FC look set to have a big job on their hands over the summer, as they look to bounce back from an underwhelming campaign in the Championship.

Having finished just one position clear of the relegation zone, the Royals will be desperate to pull clear of the bottom three next season, meaning they will have to get their business right this summer.

That applies to both incomings and outgoings, and may not be easy given the scrutiny their financial situation is under, following the points deduction they received during the 2021/22 campaign.

As a result, there is plenty for the club’s now permanent manager, Paul Ince, to consider, going into his first transfer window in charge of the club.

So with that in mind, we’ve taken a look at four transfer issues Ince may have to address at Reading sooner rather than later.

John Swift

Having been Reading’s top scorer, and provided the most assists for the club in the Championship this season, keeping Swift would be a major coup for the Royals.

The midfielder is out of contract at The Select Car Leasing Stadium this summer, and has been heavily linked with a move to second-tier rivals West Brom recently.

However, Reading themselves are said to have offered Swift a new deal, and Ince will no doubt want to know whether that will be accepted quickly, given how important it will be to find a player to replace him if he is to move on, or to plan around the 26-year-old if he elects to stay.

Josh Laurent

Another midfielder facing an uncertain future at Reading is Josh Laurent, with his contract with the club also expiring in the summer.

That has inevitably attracted interest from elsewhere, with Cardiff – themselves going through something of a squad rebuild – said to be keen on the