Former Leeds United player Carlton Palmer has backed the Whites to make a move for Reading midfielder John Swift in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Swift move

The 26-year-old is enjoying a superb season for Reading on an individual note, scoring eight goals and registering nine assists in the Championship this season, prompting journalist Conor McGilligan to proclaim that he has "been absolutely on fire" for the Royals.

Swift's form has seen him linked with a move to Leeds, especially with Kalvin Phillips' injury absence leaving Marcelo Bielsa short of options in the middle of the park. His current deal expires at the end of the season, so Reading may be willing to recoup a fee for him in January.

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The Latest: Palmer talks up Swift move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, ex-Leeds and England midfielder Palmer talked up a potential move for Swift, saying:

"At the end of the day, he's not signed a new contract. He’s attracting a lot of interest from several Premier League clubs. He is out of contract at the end of the season, I would think if Reading could get a fee for him, and they're not particularly doing well in the Championship, what, are they 16th in the league?

"So, I think they're not going to hold onto him until the end of the season if they could get a fee for him in January. If that fee comes from Leeds United, then he'll go to Leeds United. That is for sure."

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The Verdict: Good squad option

While Swift remains unproven in the Premier League, he is someone who could come in and add much-needed depth in midfield, hopefully along with another signing too.

His aforementioned end product this season shows that he could bring some guile in midfield, helping Leeds to create more chances from a position where they have been far from prolific this term; and at 26 he could improve further under Bielsa, who has previously described him as a "great player".

Swift also won 13 caps for England's under-21s and scored once at that level, an indicator that he has been considered a top prospect in the past, and he is continuing to deliver the goods in the Championship into his mid-20s.

In other news, Graham Smyth has provided a key update on one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.