Reading midfielder John Swift has emerged as a potential target for West Ham United, according to EXWHUemployee.

Speaking on the latest edition of The West Ham Way podcast (as cited by West Ham Zone), the Hammers insider has admitted that the club are currently keeping tabs on Swift's situation at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The Premier League outfit may need to wait until the summer to seal a deal for Swift due to the fact he is reluctant to part ways with Reading this month.

Swift's current deal with the Championship side is set to expire in June and thus the current transfer window represents the last chance that the Royals will get to secure a reasonable fee for him.

However, when you consider that Reading are only three points clear of the relegation zone in the second-tier, they will be desperate to keep Swift as he has been a stand-out performer in this particular division during the 2021/22 campaign.

In the 22 games that he has played for the Royals this season, the midfielder has managed to find the back of the net on eight occasions whilst he has also provided his team-mates with nine assists.

Having made his return to action during yesterday's 2-2 draw with Derby County, Swift will be determined to help Reading move up the second-tier standings in the coming weeks.

The Verdict

If West Ham are indeed interested in sealing a move for Swift, Reading may be powerless to prevent their talisman from moving to the London Stadium later this year as David Moyes' side will be able to provide the midfielder with the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

For the Royals' sake, they simply cannot afford to let Swift leave this month as losing him at this stage of the season could result in relegation to the third-tier of English football.

When you consider that Reading are reportedly unable to spend any money on players, they will find it extremely difficult to draft in a suitable replacement for Swift.

Keeping this in mind, the Royals will need to turn down any bids from elsewhere if a potential suitor decides to test their resolve.