This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Championship outfit Reading are currently weighing up Middlesbrough shot-stopper Joe Lumley as a potential arrival at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this summer, according to The Sun.

The 27-year-old was a regular for Chris Wilder's men last term - but mistakes often crept into this game and with this - Boro are seemingly on the search for a new number one with the club being linked with multiple goalkeepers in recent weeks.

However, he could find a new home at the Royals with Paul Ince's side releasing Orjan Nyland on the expiration of his contract this summer, leaving the Berkshire outfit with the task of finding a new first-choice option in this department.

 

 

Although Luke Southwood was touted by some to reclaim his place between the sticks, he has reportedly been told to find a new club and even without his potential departure, a new keeper is likely to be at the top of their shopping list going in the coming months.

From the Royals' perspective, would Lumley be a good addition to their cause after appearing regularly in the second tier last season? And is he a needed figure in Berkshire?

We asked three of our writers at Football League World for their opinions.

Marcus Ally

I struggle to see any credible justification for this being a good signing for Reading next season, and if anything it would confirm their relegation in my mind if he becomes first choice for the Royals.

Lumley was arguably the most mistake-prone goalkeeper in the second tier last season, and considering the amount of time Reading are going to spend on the back foot next term, with immense difficulty in squad building this summer, the former QPR man is not up to the test.

As a backup option, I still would not see this one as a good signing, with the 27-year-old’s true level as a number one probably in the bottom half of League One.

If the Royals can bring back Orjan Nyland or Karl Hein instead of Lumley, they definitely should.

Billy Mulley

This is one that I would be avoiding if I was Paul Ince.

He was not very convincing last season with Middlesbrough in the Championship, and whilst he has proven to be capable at this level before, I truly believe there are better targets out there.

Of course, Reading do not currently possess the pulling power that they have had in recent seasons but I would back them to find a better alternative to Joe Lumley.

The goalkeeping department does need bolstering, and they perhaps need two new additions, with a more experienced permanent transfer and a more youthful loan option should be considered.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

Given the goalkeeping situation at Reading, any links to shot-stoppers are positive ones at the moment. However, Lumley could be a brilliant addition.

For whatever reason, the 27-year-old fell out of favour at Middlesbrough as the season neared its conclusion, but Boro's loss would certainly be Reading's gain if this transfer were to go through.

Lumley kept 13 clean sheets in 34 Championship matches last campaign, and he has plenty of experience at this level having racked up 111 Championship appearances to date.

Given that he was reduced to the number two role at the Riverside and he only has one year left on his contract, a good deal could potentially be struck for Lumley, too.

Something that is important given that the Royals are having to be shrewd with their finances this summer.