Fulham are reportedly one of the numerous clubs interested in signing Harrison Reed, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Reed has spent the previous two seasons on loan with then Championship club Norwich City, and then Blackburn Rovers last campaign after being deemed surplus to Southampton.

From these loan spells, he has been a first-team figure with 72 league appearances in that time. In contrast, he has only made 17 appearances for Southampton since his debut in 2013/14.

As the Whites reportedly look to sign the Saints midfielder, there will be key positives and negatives to take from the deal if they were to sign the 24-year-old...

Pro: Championship experience

The vast amount of playing time the midfielder enjoyed at Norwich and Blackburn will make a positive impact at Craven Cottage. Experience is a valuable trait which will help even more if he was to slot into a midfield partnership with two already experienced players: Tom Cairney and Harry Arter.

An average age of 27 between them will give the Whites midfield a firmly experienced Championship midfield that possesses the ultimate quality to gain promotion.

Pro: Improvement defensively

The largest critique of this Fulham side is their defensive capabilities. Kevin McDonald's role as the starting defensive midfielder looks to have run its course. Reed has the necessary quality to take this mantle as their main defensive midfielder.

Last season, Reed averaged 2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game; similarly to his performances at Carrow Road where he averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interception per game. Fulham need a new and proven defensive midfielder, and Reed has the record to become this.

Con: Still need a right-back

Although signing Reed will improve the quality of their defence in midfield, it does not solve the serious issue at right-back. Cyrus Christie and Denis Odoi in this position are clear weaknesses for the opposition to exploit.

Continuing with a defence that leaked 81 goals last year, and have already failed to keep a clean sheet, will be huge worry for Fulham throughout the season. If Fulham are to reach their goal of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking, they need a right-back - at least.

Con: Passing decline

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Reed has been a consistent passer during his career. Before last season, he had averaged an impressive 86% pass success rate where he averaged more than 12 passes per game. For Norwich, he had a staggering 88% success rate.

However, his successful passing stats took a nose-dive for Blackburn. He had only a success rate of 76.4% for Rovers - a dramatic decline to other seasons. Whether it was a change of style or role, Parker will want Reed's passing to return to his old consistency so that he fits the passing style the Fulham manager wants to employ.