Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Reading midfielder John Swift, according to Football League World.

The Lowdown: Swift’s situation

Swift has started the 2021/22 campaign in fine form for The Royals, scoring seven times and registering five assists in 10 Championship fixtures.

The 26-year-old, who has been with his current employers since 2016, is almost into the final six months of his contract. He has scored 39 senior goals during his career and is on £25,000 per week, less than Palace full-back Tyrick Mitchell, who is among the lowest earners at Selhurst Park.

The Latest: Palace interest

Football League World shared a story on Thursday morning, claiming that Palace, along with Premier League rivals Burnley, Norwich and Wolves, are interested in a January move for Swift.

It could well be a cut-price transfer when you take his contract into consideration, with the attacking midfielder unlikely to pen new terms with Reading.

The Verdict: Wise move?

Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has reaped the rewards of dipping into the Championship market in recent years, most notably with the arrival of Eberechi Eze from QPR.

Loanee Conor Gallagher is set to return to Chelsea at the end of the season, so bringing in Swift in the winter could help him settle at Selhurst Park ahead of taking over from the 21-year-old next season.

He is capable of playing as a central or attacking midfielder and appears to be at the top of his game following his impressive start to the season, so a cut-price deal could be a shrewd call by Freedman.

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