“Would make sense” - Pundit sends Reading FC transfer message as Derby County and Stockport eye Charlie Savage | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer insists Reading must not sell Charlie Savage in January as they battle to stay in League One.

Charlie Savage attracting transfer interest

There was a lot of excitement in the summer when the Royals managed to finalise a move for the 20-year-old from Manchester United.

Savage had been training with the first-team at Old Trafford, and he had featured in cup competitions, so it was seen as a real coup.

However, it has been suggested that the youngster could be on the move this month, with reports claiming that Derby and Stockport are both keeping tabs on the Welsh international.

Yet, speaking to FLW, ex-England international Palmer explained why Reading’s precarious position means they shouldn’t be looking to weaken their squad. Plus, he explained how it’s unlikely to make a big difference financially as Manchester United are due a cut of any profit.

“Man United will receive a significant sell-on for his next move, so unless the Royals receive a huge fee it isn’t worth losing him at this point in time. You can’t see Derby or Stockport coming up with the sort of money that Reading would require to allow him to leave.

“Even though he’s not starting every week, it would make sense that he stays for now.”

Charlie Savage has a big decision to make

It will be interesting to see how this plays out, as Savage may be tempted to move should either Derby or Stockport make an offer for different reasons.

With the Rams, there’s a very real chance he could be in the Championship next season, and playing with better players could help his game improve. But, the obvious drawback is that he is by no means guaranteed minutes at Pride Park, and it’s hard to see him get a place in Paul Warne’s XI as it stands.

If game time is the priority, then Stockport would be an appealing option, and they play the sort of attacking football that could allow Savage to flourish.

Whilst it would be a drop down initially, the midfielder could establish himself as a key player for the League Two leaders, and they obviously expect to be back in the third tier next season.

Of course, Savage may also want to stay at Reading, and even though he hasn’t been in the starting XI recently, he is still coming on from the bench.

We need to remember this is a young player, and it’s normal that his form has fluctuated, but there is talent there, and he will back himself to force his way back into the best XI with the Royals.

Reading battle to stay in League One

You can understand Palmer’s point here, as Ruben Selles’ side are battling to stay in League One, and he will want to keep his squad intact.

We know the off-field issues continue to impact the club, and the reality is that they aren’t going to be able to strengthen the group this month in the way that Selles will want until a takeover goes through.

So, it’s about keeping the team together, and whilst Savage has had to watch on during the good run in recent weeks, things can change quickly in football, and he could become an important figure as they try to avoid a second successive relegation.