"He'll be on his way" - Pundit predicts Reading FC transfer exit amid Sheffield United, Norwich interest | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer discussed Charlie Savage's future at Reading amid links to Championship clubs

Carlton Palmer believes that Reading will be forced to sell Charlie Savage if "a decent offer comes in" amid interest from a number of Championship clubs.

It was reported by Caught Offside that the Welsh international is attracting interest from a trio of Championship clubs in the form of Sheffield United, Stoke City and Norwich City after an impressive 18 months or so at League One side Reading.

Given their precarious financial situation, Championship clubs could see Reading as an easy target when it comes to buying their young talent, and Palmer believes that this means the Royals will have to sell Savage this month should they receive an appropriate offer.

Carlton Palmer on Championship interest in Reading's Charlie Savage

Palmer, who won 18 caps for England in the 1990s, believes that Savage is a talented player, and can understand why he's on the radar of Championship clubs, with the 21-year-old deemed capable of making the step-up.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: "Everybody knows that Sheffield United are looking to bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window, and they’ll be linked to every player that is on the move.

“So a player now being linked to Sheffield United is Reading’s Charlie Savage. Stoke City and Norwich City are also reportedly interested in the player.

"It’s a big worry for Reading, they’re in a play-off spot, and he’s one of their bright sparks as he’s an exceptional young player. He left Manchester United in search of playing regular first-team football, and he has done that.

“The 21-year-old is under contract until 2027, so Reading are in the driving seat here, but we all know the perilous position they are in financially and if a bid that is too good comes in, then they may part ways with the talented youngster.

“It shows his determination, and it shows his character when you leave Manchester United in search of first-team football. He’s done that, making 72 appearances for Reading and scoring 11 goals.

“This season so far he’s played a part in six goals in all competitions, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens with young Charlie.

“Given the situation with the football club, if a decent offer comes in for the player, I think he’ll be on his way.

“Can he step up? He’s a very gifted midfield player, and that’s why he was signed by Manchester United. He’s been doing really well in League One, he’s one of the outstanding players in League One, so I think he could comfortably step up to the Championship because he’d be playing with better players.

“He’s a skillful and a talented player, who can play in an attacking position in midfield. You wouldn’t play him as a holding midfielder, but he can play wide, or in that number 10 position.

"He’s a very intelligent footballer, and he’s very similar to Arblaster at Sheffield United, who they’re missing until the end of the season, so I’m sure that’s what Chris Wilder is looking at.

“You look at Stoke City, at Norwich City and I think he’d relish the chance to go to Sheffield United and help them get promoted to the Premier League and play in the Premier League next season.

“It’s a big worry for Reading, and they expect it given the current situation they are in."

Losing Charlie Savage would be a big blow to Reading's play-off hopes

Against the odds, Reading are performing admirably and sit in the League One play-off places.

However, if their squad is raided this month, and they lose quality players like Charlie Savage, Tyler Bindon and Harvey Knibbs, then you'd expect them to slide down the table from the beginning of February onwards.

Having only played one game of senior football at Manchester United, Savage has really come of age at Reading, and he's enjoying a successful campaign from central midfield with six goals and six assists this season in all competitions.

This means that losing him would be a big blow to Noel Hunt with Reading already having a thin squad, and if he loses quality like Savage this month it would put them on the back foot when it comes to remaining in the play-off places.

While Reading would love to keep Savage, Championship clubs with deep pockets like Sheffield United would be able to prize him away, and it leaves the Royals in a difficult situation this month as the money is needed, but losing the Welsh international would dent their prospects on the field.