Championship outfit Reading are interested in a move for Swansea City midfielder Jay Fulton, according to yesterday morning's Patreon report from journalist Alan Nixon.

The former Scotland youth international was a regular for Steve Cooper during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, playing a big part in guiding the Swans to consecutive play-off finishes.

His red card in the 2021 play-off final marked a turning point in his career at the Swansea.com Stadium though, not because of this sending off but because of a change in the managerial department with Russell Martin coming in.

 

 

Last term, he made just 18 league appearances and spend much of the 2021/22 campaign behind the likes of Matt Grimes and Flynn Downes in the pecking order, with the latter earning a move to West Ham United because of his performances.

With Downes leaving and Korey Smith also departing, this has arguably left Martin with a shortage of options in the middle of the park even with Joe Allen arriving, though Fulton could still potentially make the move to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Ahead of this potential switch, we take a look at whether this would be a good move, if he would start and what he has to offer the Royals.

Is it a good potential move?

From the player's point of view, he may be disappointed at the fact he hasn't attracted interest from a side that are likely to be fighting at the top end of the division during 2022/23.

However, the Bolton-born midfielder has a real chance of being one of the first names on the teamsheet if he did arrive at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and it's an opportunity he should look to take with both hands.

Of course, it's unclear whether the Royals will be in the second tier or not for the 2023/24 season and beyond considering the difficulties they currently face so a loan move may be preferable for him at this point.

For the Swans, getting him off the wage bill for one season or longer can only be a good thing considering he doesn't seem to be a big part of Martin's plans.

However, they ideally need to recruit in this position before they sanction a move away for the 28-year-old.

And for Paul Ince's side, he would certainly be an exceptional player to bring in with the financial situation they currently find themselves in, with their lack of depth in this area making him the ideal signing.

This is an agreement that shouldn't cost too much either if a loan deal or free transfer is sanctioned, though they won't be able to win this race if Swansea demand a fee.

Would he start?

Considering the lack of options the Royals currently have at their disposal, he would probably be a starter at this stage alongside Nottingham Forest loanee Tyrese Fornah, who arrived at the club last week.

Both may not be hugely attacking players - but they could prove to be a much-needed shield in front of the second-tier side's defence and that would be ideal considering the number of goals they conceded last term.

Tom McIntyre can also play in this role - but injuries could mean he's dragged back into central defence and similar applies with Dejan Tetek who may need to operate at right-back at some points during next season.

The latter is also inexperienced at the moment, so looking at their current squad, it would be difficult to see Fulton not forcing his way into the first 11. It shouldn't be forgotten that he played a big part in getting the Swans to a play-off final just over a year ago.

What does he offer?

Fulton is a player with a considerable amount of second-tier experience under his belt and this will be important for a side that may need to use quite a few of their youngsters during this upcoming season.

He may not be the most prolific goalscorer - but can chip in with the occasional goal and can contribute heavily defensively - something that will be important considering how exposed their defence was at times last term.

Also completing 89.1% of his total passes last term, he has shown he can retain the ball well and with teams often opting to press Martin's side because of their style, that's an impressive percentage.

At 28 as well, he should still have at least a few years left in the tank in the second tier if he remains with the Royals for the long term.