Opinion: The transfer stance Reading FC player should take amid Crystal Palace and Wolves interest

Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers have taken an interest in Reading striker Lucas Joao ahead of the summer transfer window, Football League World understands.

The 28-year-old’s season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium has been heavily disrupted by a hip injury – but he has since returned to action and has made a real impact for the Royals in recent times – recording six goals in his last eight league appearances and helping to guide them away from the relegation zone.

And considering he registered 19 goals and seven assists in 39 league appearances last term, it’s no surprise then that the Portuguese forward is now the subject of interest from the top tier during what is arguably the peak of his playing career.

His impressive record doesn’t reflect where his current side are at though, in real danger of being relegated to League One at the end of this term with off-field turmoil also apparent in Berkshire amid previous fan protests.

He seems to be enjoying his football regardless of this – but that could soon change in the coming months with uncertainty surrounding numerous key players’ futures and who will be lining up behind him if he remains at the Select Car Leasing Stadium next season.

One player who won’t be there, barring a miracle, is John Swift who has been the second-tier side’s main creator this term with 13 league assists to his name and has certainly played a key part in Joao’s recent success.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder’s likely departure will leave a huge void in the creativity department and with that, could have a detrimental effect on the 28-year-old who partially relies on the likes of Swift and Junior Hoilett to feed him.

Even tougher times are also likely to be on the way at