Sky Sports Sheffield United, Stoke City, Norwich City in transfer battle for Reading FC star.

In the early stages of the January transfer window, Sheffield United, Norwich City, and Stoke City have all expressed interest in Reading midfielder Charlie Savage.

This is according to CaughtOffside, who have mentioned the three teams in their discoveries, as well as adding that multiple other Championship clubs are keeping an eye on the 21-year-old’s current position with the League One club. The Royals are currently in the final play-off spot in the third tier, having accumulated 41 points from their first 24 games, despite the well-documented backdrop of ongoing financial uncertainty under Dai Yongge’s ownership, as well as the loss of previous head coach Ruben Selles to Hull City at the beginning of last month. Unsurprisingly, given that the Berkshire team is in such a high league position after carrying on with such form under the tutelage of club great Noel Hunt, many of the Irishman’s youthful side have been linked with a move to clubs higher up the footballing ladder, with Savage falling into said category once more.

Charlie Savage linked with a potential Championship move

The midfielder, who is the son of former Premier League and EFL stalwart Robbie, has played an important role in Reading’s successful first half of the season, which has piqued the interest of second-tier clubs. As CaughtOffside points out, the promotion-chasing Blades, who were recently taken over by COH Sports, are among those clubs, along with play-off contenders Norwich and Stoke, in Mark Robins’ first transfer window in charge of the Staffordshire club. The story goes on to state that all three teams are hoping to reach an agreement in the coming weeks in order to test the cash-strapped Royals’ fortitude ahead of Deadline Day on February 3rd.

However, it remains to be seen what value Championship clubs take on the two-time Wales international’s talents, with the possibility of a bidding battle brewing over the midfielder, who signed a four-year contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in July 2023.

Reading FC could find it difficult to retain Charlie Savage’s services

Despite the fact that Reading have put themselves in a strong position to challenge for the play-offs, it may be incredibly tough for the League One club to keep one of their finest assets. Of course, exit speculation surrounding Savage is nothing new, as he was linked with Derby County, Ajax, and FC Twente at various stages last season, and a tally of six goals and as many assists in all competitions so far this season will only heighten interest from rival clubs.

Losing such an influential talent at this time would be a huge loss, since Hunt would be unable to replace Savage because Reading is currently embargoed due to a breach of EFL Regulation 16.7.4 Submission of Annual Accounts. Although there is hope that a takeover of the club will occur in the near future, the uncertainty that has clouded the club during his spell means that Savage may feel that a step-up to the Championship may be the best decision to make for his own development, especially if other key members of the squad are to jump ship in the coming weeks.

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