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Reece Smith is a wanted man, as he enters the final six months of his contract at York Road.

Leyton Orient and MK Dons are among the EFL clubs keeping tabs on Maidenhead United winger Reece Smith, Football League World understands.

Smith, 22, has been a key player for the Berkshire side again this season, building on the 11 goals and six assists he registered in 40 National League appearances last season.

Leyton Orient and MK Dons in the race for Reece Smith

Smith, who is in the final six deals of his contract at York Road, could secure an exit from Alan Devonshire's side this year.

It remains to be seen whether he will leave during this window or not, but the Magpies may decide to cash in on the player to avoid the possibility of losing him at the end of his contract.

Football League World understands that Richie Wellens' Orient are one team interested in a move for the player - but he could also cross the Berks-Bucks border to link up with MK Dons - who are currently under the stewardship of the talented Scott Lindsey. That pair are joined by other, unnamed, clubs in showing an interest at this late stage of the transfer window.

Wellens and Lindsey are two of the more talented managers in the EFL, with the former having a decent CV and the latter winning promotion with Crawley at the end of last season.

Reece Smith's 2024/25 campaign at Maidenhead United

Continuing to thrive in the final third, it's no surprise that he is attracting interest from other clubs, and some EFL clubs are hoping to secure his signature on a cut-price deal.

Maidenhead are currently competing at the bottom end of the fifth tier and are in danger of being relegated back to the National League South, but Smith's contributions have allowed them to keep their heads above water for now.

Not only has he performed well in the fifth tier, but he also shone in an FA Cup first round clash against Crawley Town last year, with the 22-year-old registering the assist for Shawn McCoulsky's goal.

Josh Stokes, who made the move away from Aldershot Town in the summer, has done well at current loan club, Cambridge United.

And it may only be a matter of time before he becomes a key player at Bristol City.

With this in mind, Smith should be confident of adapting to life in the EFL, if he makes the step-up.

It seems inevitable that he will leave Smith this year, whether it's during this window or in the summer.