West Brom linked with bargain deal for former Chelsea midfielder

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing John Swift from Reading in the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is very likely to leave the Berkshire outfit without signing an extension. That means he can leave the club on a free transfer.

That has put several clubs on high alert to his availability, with Premier League clubs such as Brentford, Burnley and Leeds United reportedly interested. A quick look at his stats for the season shows why.

Swift has scored 11 goals from midfield and provided 13 assists in the Championship this term for Reading, and he more than passes the eye test. And he's managed this while playing for a club that has been mired in a relegation battle after suffering a points deduction.

The former Chelsea player has likely played his last game for Reading after picking up an injury which manager Paul Ince expects to keep him out for the remainder of the season. His full focus will now surely turn towards his future plans.

Those plans could involve West Brom as the club have been linked with a move for Swift in the summer, as per the Express & Star 's reporting. They say that the Baggies have sent scouts to watch the midfielder and that it is "highly likely" he is on their list of targets in the transfer window.

Competition will be fierce for the Portsmouth native, who plays predominantly as a number ten but can also slot into central midfield. Convincing him to join Albion's promotion charge for next season over a Premier League club will be no easy feat as Steve Bruce plans for a "major overhaul" in the months ahead.

"We have to have the ability to change and we have to bring a fresher, younger look to everything," the West Brom