Reading manager Veljko Paunovic has suggested Leeds United’s reported target John Swift could leave in January.

earlier this month, football league world claimed Reading were confident of keeping the player with them given Leeds interest.

Swift is the club’s top scorer and creator and while Paunovic would like him to stay, he can guarantee the player will still be at the club in February.

“He’s under contract and he’s our player,” said Paunovic, as quoted by read chronicle.

“We’re in the transfer market, it’s open so when an offer comes it’s always taken into account. We don’t want to lose him, but that’s football too and the club is in the situation, which means – he has to take everything into account.”

Unlikely

The 26-year-old was their best player and he also has a juicy contract with the Championship Club.

Leeds are keen to strengthen their midfielder in January as Kalvin Phillips is unlikely to return until March. The Whites have reportedly expressed interest in signing midfielder Brenden Aaronson from RB Salzburg but it appears they have failed in their attempt to sign him this month.

In such a scenario, a late move for Swift cannot be ruled out.

The report claims a host of Premier League and Championship clubs are vying for his signature but the club doesn’t expect a firm offer for him.

The player himself is hoping to stay at the club and explore his options in the summer.

The central midfielder has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in the league this season.

It remains to be seen if Leeds make a formal move for him, mainly as a plan B option.

In other Leeds United news, The Whites are expected to make a sneaky £22million bid to secure a key signing in January