Reading are expecting 'considerable' transfer interest in academy product Omar Richards during the summer transfer window, a source close to the club has exclusively confirmed to Football League World's Chief Editor Sam Rourke.

Richards has enjoyed his most successful season for Reading since graduating from the club's youth ranks, with the 22-year-old having registered a total of 28 appearances across the campaign while operating in both defensive and midfield roles on the left flank.

The Lewisham-born talent had started establishing himself in the Royals' left-back slot prior to the EFL's fixture suspension, and it now appears as though Richards' recent displays have captured the attention of numerous potential suitors ahead of the summer.

Football League World understands that Reading are bracing themselves for significant interest in Richards' services ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, with the full-back's contract at the Madejski Stadium currently set to expire in the summer of 2021.

This comes with Richards having built his experience in senior football in the Royals' first-team fold during recent seasons, with the former Fulham man's 19 league starts so far this term representing a higher total than the two previous campaigns combined.

Richards' displays during the early stages of the campaign also earned him a call-up to the England Under-21 squad as he made his international youth debut during the 2-2 draw with Slovenia in a friendly match back in August.