Reading Boss Confirms Premier League Interest In Youngster...

Noel Hunt has confirmed that Premier League strugglers Southampton have shown interest in Reading teenager Andre Garcia.

The 17-year-old has had a breakout year for The Royals and has played 25 times in his debut season from left-back,

having graduated straight from the under-18’s side.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that Southampton had presented Reading with a deal worth around £2 million

in an attempt to recruit Garcia, but their initial offer had been turned down the previous week. The Saints, who are

now at the bottom of the Premier League, will need fullbacks because there are rumours that the versatile Kyle

Walker-Peters may be leaving the team soon.

After their match against Leyton Orient, Noel Hunt confirmed that Southampton had submitted a bid in a

subsequent statement to the Reading Chronicle. He stated:

Brian Carey and I had a conversation. That [£2 million bid] is far more detailed,” he stated. Both the original start

and that play a significant role in that. You shouldn’t trust everything you read. There were a few calls, and while

there may have been some motivation, nothing seems to match the amount we believe Andre is worth.

If a trade were permitted, Reading would not be able to replace Garcia externally because of transfer restrictions imposed on the team.

Writer’s View

No important players will be let to leave Reading this transfer window, and they are not likely to change their minds

no matter how much money Southampton throws at Andre Garcia. The 17-year-old has been a breakout sensation in

League One, and given how well he and The Royals are performing, he could be a serious contender for the division’s

Young Player of the Year award. Garcia should continue to play for Reading even if a deal is accepted because he has

established himself as a starter. A move to St. Mary’s would probably require him to make several loan moves in

order to get playing time, much like Ronnie Edwards did after joining from Peterborough United in the summer.