Birmingham City and Derby County are both interested in recruiting Reading centre-back Terell Thomas, according to a report from Berkshire Live.

The 26-year-old is set to depart on the expiration of his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after making just two appearances for the Royals during his short time at the club.

First joining in March after a trial period in Berkshire, he put pen to paper on a short-term deal with the second-tier side but mainly found himself as an unused substitute until the final two games of the 2021/22 campaign.

 

 

He started at right-back in both, putting in respectable performances during both games but was unable to do enough to earn himself an extension.

With this, the ex-AFC Wimbledon man is free to negotiate with other sides and is reported to be the subject of interest from the Royals' league rivals Birmingham, who have sustained their interest in the centre-back after first having him on their radar earlier this year.

Derby have joined the race since then, though they will be unable to seal a deal for his services until a takeover deal is complete at Pride Park, with the Rams still in administration at this stage.

They will be able to recruit him on a free transfer though with Paul Ince's side not entitled to any compensation.

The Verdict:

Thomas didn't have that much of an opportunity to prove himself in Berkshire considering how limited his game time was, but put in two respectable performances and didn't look out of place in the second tier.

He could certainly be a decent backup option to have at St Andrew's if he can live up to his potential and at 26, he could even be a long-term option at the West Midlands if he does well.

On a free transfer as well, that's a real bonus to Lee Bowyer who is likely to be working within a limited budget once again this summer but needs to address several areas. Thomas' wage demands aren't likely to be huge, so he would be a good player to pursue.

And for Derby, he could be valuable considering the amount of League One experience he has under his belt and for a side that desperately need new faces, many of the Rams' supporters would welcome him with open arms.

They will be even more restricted in the transfer business they can conduct this summer than Bowyer will be, so bringing in free agents will also be valuable for the East Midlands outfit.