Birmingham City sustain interest in 26-year-old as Derby County weigh up offer

Birmingham City and Derby County are both interested in recruiting Reading centre-back Terell Thomas, according to a report from Berkshire Live.

The 26-year-old is set to depart on the expiration of his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after making just two appearances for the Royals during his short time at the club.

First joining in March after a trial period in Berkshire, he put pen to paper on a short-term deal with the second-tier side but mainly found himself as an unused substitute until the final two games of the 2021/22 campaign.

He started at right-back in both, putting in respectable performances during both games but was unable to do enough to earn himself an extension.

With this, the ex-AFC Wimbledon man is free to negotiate with other sides and is reported to be the subject of interest from the Royals’ league rivals Birmingham, who have sustained their interest in the centre-back after first having him on their radar earlier this year.

Derby have joined the race since then, though they will be unable to seal a deal for his services until a takeover deal is complete at Pride Park, with the Rams still in administration at this stage.

They will be able to recruit him on a free transfer though with Paul Ince’s side not entitled to any compensation.

The Verdict:

Thomas didn’t have that much of an opportunity to prove himself in Berkshire considering how limited his game time was, but put in two respectable performances and didn’t look out of place in the second tier.

He could certainly be a decent backup option to have at St Andrew’s if he can live up to his potential and at 26, he could even be a long-term option at the West Midlands if he does well.

On a free transfer as well, that’s a real bonus to