Journalist shares where eight-goal Leeds target expects to be after January

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Leeds United target John Swift is currently expecting to end the January transfer window as a Reading player, according to Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross.

For many Whites fans, Swift ticks a lot of boxes as the window looms. Marcelo Bielsa’s side need reinforcements in several areas. But perhaps no part of the pitch lacks strength in depth quite like the middle of the park.

Swift has been in outrageous form this season, despite the Royals’ struggles. The 26-year-old has scored eight goals and contributed nine assists. Nevertheless, Reading only find themselves one place and two points above the bottom three.

Unsurprisingly, he is attracting attention. It was reported last month that Leeds were amongst the Premier League sides eyeing a bid for the midfielder.

And Reading do not find themselves in the strongest position. As Cross has noted, Swift is set to be out of contract at the Madejski Stadium in the summer.

However, his current club are not looking to cash in next month, it seems. And Swift is not anticipating that he will be on the move.

“From what I have been told, he doesn’t think he’ll move next month. Reading have made it clear they would only consider selling him if they received an extraordinary offer for his services,” Cross told Leeds Live.

Leeds paying big fee for John Swift may be risk, but bigger gamble may be letting window close without signings

Cross goes on to hint that £7 million may be the sort of fee that tempts the Royals to consider a sale. Obviously, that may not appeal to many owners given that he will likely be available for nothing in a few months.

Having said that, paying £7 million would prove a bargain for Leeds if Swift could help the Whites keep themselves in the Premier League.

There are no guarantees that he would hit the ground running should he move to Elland Road. Players have to prove themselves to Bielsa. And that is seemingly a lot harder when arriving in January.

Leeds may have other targets in mind. And you could understand why they may be reluctant to make the kind of offer that tempts Reading into selling Swift.

But perhaps, the bigger gamble would be letting the window close without new signings coming in.