“£2 million" - Reading FC urged to keep hold of Portsmouth-linked talent this summer | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Portsmouth are targeting a move for Reading FCmidfielder Michael Craig this summer.

According to Football Insider, the newly-promoted Championship side are eyeing a move to sign the 21-year-old in the upcoming transfer market.

Craig signed for the Royals in 2022 from Tottenham Hotspur, having failed to break through in North London, but only cemented himself as a regular presence in the Royals side in 2023-24, having mainly featured for the club's under-21's in his debut season in Berkshire.

The Barnet-born midfielder featured 28 times in League One as the Berkshire outfit battled against relegation to the fourth tier, and he was a regular starter especially in the middle third of the campaign as Rubén Sellés’ side finished 17th in the table.

Reading FC: Michael Craig transfer verdict issued amid Portsmouth interest

FLW’s Reading fan pundit Johnny Hunt is unsure whether Craig is ready to compete in the Championship just yet.

Regardless, the Royals fan is hoping to see the 21-year-old remain in Sellés’ squad beyond this year.

“Michael Craig has been an outstanding talent for Reading this season,” Hunt told Football League World.

“He could certainly play in the Championship, but I think, at his age, he’s still a little bit inconsistent.

“He’s still learning his game, was chucked in at the deep end cause of the mess of the club.”

In terms of his potential value, Hunt believes that Craig could be worth a seven-figure sum, although he reiterated his desire to see the Scot remain with the Royals for next season.

“Valuation-wise, who knows what footballers are valued at these days, it’s such a hard thing to call,” he added.

“If he went it certainly wouldn’t be for cheap...£2 million?

“We can’t sell our players, we need to get the ownership stuff sorted as soon as, so we can get these guys’ contracts sorted and look at having an actual plan for our future.

“I want him to stay, I hope he doesn’t go, and I don’t think he’s quite ready to be playing in the top half of the Championship just yet.

“Hopefully that will be with us.”

Dai Yongge situation could impact Reading's summer plans

The Dai Yongge ownership situation still dominates any discussion around Reading at the moment, and that is true for the future of Craig.

The club should be looking to avoid any major player sales this summer, as there are no guarantees that money earned will be reinvested back into the squad.

The sooner Reading can change hands the better in so many ways, but it will also make planning for the summer window easier.

While it’s a testament to the player that he is receiving Championship interest already, he should consider another year in League One to continue his development anyway.

Portsmouth may need a more experienced midfielder than Reading FC's Michael Craig

As for Portsmouth, they will need to strengthen in a few areas this summer if they are going to be competitive at Championship level, and that includes in their engine room.

Both Marlon Pack and Joe Morrell are out of contract - albeit in talks to extend their stay at Fratton Park - and Alex Robertson has headed back to Man City following the end of his loan, so it makes sense for John Mousinho to be looking at midfield options.

Craig though may not be ready for Championship football, and if he were to sign for Pompey, then it's likely he would be one for the future and not the present.

If that were to be the case though, then it's unlikely that the south coast outfit would be paying anywhere near the £2 million that Johnny thinks Craig is valued at, so it could be a case of the Scotland youth international staying put and developing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.