Reading among host of Championship clubs linked with loan deal for Leeds United man

Reading are reportedly interested in a loan deal for Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton this summer. That is according to Football Insider, who claim that several other Championship sides have also registered their interest in the 22-year-old.

Shackleton has reportedly been given the green light to leave on loan during the window after finding regular game time hard to come by in the last two seasons. He made 14 Premier League appearances for the Whites last term, with only seven of those from the start and the last of them coming in December, when he limped out of the 7-0 defeat at Manchester City.

Shackleton played just 22 minutes of first team action following the arrival of Jesse Marsch as manager and spent much of the season playing second fiddle to Luke Ayling at right back. However, with Rasmus Kristensen joining from RB Salzburg earlier this month, and Cody Drameh returning from a very successful loan spell at Cardiff City, competition for places is high.

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Having said that, Shackleton’s preferred position remains in centre midfield and with Reading having already lost John Swift, Josh Laurent and Andy Rinomhota this summer, they are in the hunt for a number of replacements. Reading continue to impacted by financial restraints that saw them deducted six points last season, meaning a loan deal could suit all parties.

They are likely to face major competition for his signature, though, and given the promise he showed during Leeds’ two Championship seasons under Marcelo Bielsa, he could prove to be a major acquisition for whoever wins the race.