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…
West Brom are interested in a summer move for out of contract Reading star John Swift, as per a report from the Express & Star.
Swift, who has netted 11 Championship goals and has provided a further 13 assists has been vitally important player for the Royals over the last few years.
The exciting midfielder has caught the attention of the Premier League throughout this campaign, with a Chronicle Live report claiming that Newcastle United were an interested party prior to the January transfer window, whilst Leeds United have been long-term admirers.
Netting 34 goals and providing 38 assists in just over 200 appearances for the Royals, Swift has been an excellent servant to the Berkshire club.
Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding West Brom's interest in the Reading star...
Sam Rourke
This would be a cracking signing.
In my eyes, West Brom are in need of a fresh source of creativity for the likes of Karlan Grant, Andy Carroll and Daryl Dike to feed off and Swift would bring that in adundance.
He's had an exceptional season for the Royals in what has been a dismal campaign for the Berkshire club on the whole, with them fighting off the relegation all year.
11 goals and 13 assists is an amazing return for an attacking midfielder and given he's still only 26 and would be available on a free transfer, this looks like a no-brainer for the Baggies ahead of next season.
WBA have never replaced Matheus Pereira's creativity for me so John Swift could be a brilliant addition.
Adam Jones
His fitness levels can be questioned at times but there's no doubting his quality - because he has been excellent for the Royals this season.
A real game-changer, his best role is in an advanced midfield position and when given the license to push forward, that's when he can be the most deadly.
Playing him in a deeper position probably wouldn't pay dividends, so having him higher up the pitch will almost guarantee Albion value for money considering they will only be paying his wages.
Available on a free transfer, this would be a low-risk signing too and certainly a coup at this level - but you just feel he may hold out for offers from the top tier instead.
If they can secure this agreement though, he would certainly help to solve the Baggies' attacking woes. Keeping him fit will be key though.
Carla Devine
John Swift has done a great job with Reading this season contributing 11 goals and 13 assists in 38 games. Given Reading’s poor season, it would not be a surprise to see Swift keen to move on.
West Brom would be a step up and for the Baggies themselves, this is the kind of signing they need to be looking at to strengthen their team if they are wanting to push up the table next season.
The Baggies will need to be scoring more goals next season and not only has Swift proven his ability to score but he has also shown he is capable of assisting and providing strikers with the balls they need to create goals.
Therefore, Swift would be a great signing for West Brom and the type of player they need to be able to push on next season.