“This would be an excellent signing” – Leeds United midfielder wanted by Reading FC: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Reading FC are reportedly interested in signing Jamie Shackleton from Leeds United this summer. 

Shackleton has cut a frustrated figure at Leeds since his debut in 2018 under Marcelo Bielsa. He’s made 79 appearances across four seasons, but not kicked on as much as he or the club would’ve liked.

Football Insider report how Reading are one of many clubs to express and interest in taking the 22-year-old on loan this summer.

Our writers discuss those links here:

Sam Rourke 

This would be an excellent signing.

The Royals are in desperate need of bolstering their central midfield options following the departures of Josh Laurent to Stoke City and Andy Rinomhota to Cardiff City, the aforementioned duo were two key players for the Berkshire outfit.

With youngster Dejan Tetek the only current central midfielder left at the club, the need to recruit in that area of the pitch is urgent and Shackleton would be a fantastic option to have.

The 22-year-old needs more first-team action with Jesse Marsch seemingly not favouring the young player since his arrival at Elland Road, thus, a loan switch to the Royals would essentially guarantee the player frequent game-time given the lack of current options Paul Ince has at his disposal.

With Reading having to operate under stringent financial rules this summer in the transfer window, being able to sign someone like Shackleton who has played in the Premier League and is no stranger to the Championship would be brilliant for the club.

Add to the fact that Shackleton can also operate