Reading are eyeing up a move for Everton defender Reece Welch, as the League One side look to bolster their defensive options.
The 21-year-old is out of contract next summer, and entering the final year of his deal at the Toffees.
Having failed to break into the first-team setup at the Merseyside outfit over the years though, Welch is now attracting the interest of the Royals on a permanent deal.
Reading interested in Everton defender Reece Welch
Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke has reported that Welch is a "target" of Reading, with the League One outfit "eyeing a move" as he enters the final year of his current deal with the Toffees.
The four-time England under-20's international has spent loan spells at Forest Green Rovers in League Two, and KMSK Deinze of Belgium during his spell at Everton, although his time at the latter last season was brief, playing just twice in the second tier of Belgian football.
Reece Welch
He played 23 times for Forest Green, who recently appointed former Leicester City midfielder Robbie Savage as their head coach, after making his senior debut for Everton.
Welch appeared briefly in a 2022 FA Cup tie against Boreham Wood, and added a start for the Merseyside club in an EFL Cup clash with Fleetwood Town.
The centre-back has played 82 times for Everton's under-21's, including in the EFL Trophy, as well as 33 times for the under-18's.
Reece Welch's career appearances per club (source: Transfermarkt)
Everton First Team
Everton under-18s
Everton under-21s
Forest Green Rovers
KMSK Deinze
Welch was part of the traveling Toffees squad as David Moyes' side beat Newcastle United away from home on the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League term.
He was the subject of reported interest from Reading last summer, but with just one year left on his current contract, the Huddersfield-born defender is of interest to the Royals once again following their takeover by American lawyer Rob Couhig.
Reece Welch would be a smart Reading FC capture - he may have to bide his time though if he signs
Reading only narrowly missed out on a place in the League One play-offs last term, with Leyton Orient holding firm to seal their place on the final day of the regular season.
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The Royals lost highly-rated coach Ruben Selles part-way through the campaign, but did not falter when Noel Hunt took charge.
A young Reading side battled to keep in the play-off chasing pack while off-field noise and the threat of punishment because of owner Dai Yongge loomed over them.
Now under the ownership of former Wycombe Wanderers chairman Rob Couhig, Reading look revitalised and ready to push towards the top-six in League One again, and have already added experienced centre-half Paudie O'Connor to their ranks from Lincoln City.
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Defensive reinforcements have been a theme of Reading's summer recruitment, while also tying down a number of top talents to fresh deals.
O'Connor's deal with the Berkshire outfit is a show of intent, while goalkeeper Jack Stevens joined from Cambridge United and left-back Matty Jacob has sealed a loan move from Hull City.
They're going to need more centre-back additions to add to what they already have, and Welch could fit well into Noel Hunt's plans, but given his lack of real senior experience, he could have a wait on his hands for regular minutes if he does make the move to the SCL Stadium.