Ex-Reading manager makes John Swift transfer admission involving Aston Villa and Leeds

Former Reading manager Brian McDermott believes that John Swift is ready to become a Premier League player – and has selected both Aston Villa and Leeds United as two ideal destinations for the midfielder.

Despite the Royals struggling at the wrong end of the Championship table, Swift has enjoyed a fine campaign on a personal level in terms of goal contributions.

The 26-year-old has scored 11 goals and assisted 13 times in 35 Championship matches – his best season yet – and it’s a major step up from his last full season of action after 2020-21 was blighted with injury struggles.

Swift though is more-than likely going to be on the move this summer, with his current contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium coming to an end and he reportedly rejected a new deal earlier in the season, however remained with the club in January and didn’t pursue a move away.

Things will be different this summer though and the ex-Chelsea academy graduate will no doubt attract top flight interest due to this season’s form.

McDermott, who managed Reading on two separate occasions and was also a scout for Arsenal, believes that the attacking midfielder has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League and identified both Steven Gerrard and Jesse Marsch’s teams as perfect landing places.

“You could stick him in at someone like Aston Villa as technically he’s very good,” McDermott said on BBC Radio Berkshire (quotes via BerkshireLive).

“He makes goals, he scores goals and I can see him ending up at somewhere like Aston Villa or someone like Leeds United.

“He can play, he sees a pass but it’s hard to say [how good he will be] until you put them in that environment.”

The Verdict

Swift has always had the technical ability to be a very good