Bournemouth are interested in a deal for Reading FC youngster Omar Richards, who has just seven months remaining on his Royals deal.

The Sun reports that Cherries boss Eddie Howe has been extremely impressed with the 19-year-old defender, who made his debut for Jaap Stam’s side last year, before appearing more regularly under the Dutchman this semester.

Richards’ contract status has left his future at the Madejski Stadium in the air, and Howe is reportedly willing to offer £2 million for his services in January, with Derby County also interested in a move for the teenager.

A former trainee at Fulham, Richards has been attracting attention for his recent performances, with some comparing the defender to former England left-back Ashley Cole.

The Verdict

Richards has performed extremely well since breaking into the first team on a regular basis, and it comes as no surprise that clubs higher up the ladder are expressing an interest in the player.

Stam has several options now.

He can look to tie the player down to a new deal, which will involve a significant increase on his current wage-packet, sell in January, or lose the promising defender next summer for a fee to be most likely settled by a tribunal.

Richards has been with the Royals since 2013 so has loyalties to the club which took him in following his Fulham release, but the prospect of top-flight football may be too much for the player to turn down.

Reading fans, just how good is Richards? Is he a Premier League calibre player? Have your say below...