Birmingham City, Wrexham, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth plotting move for Reading FC player | OneFootball

Charlie Savage proved a standout part of Reading's promotion push last season

Wrexham, Portsmouth and Birmingham City are eyeing a move for Reading FC midfielder Charlie Savage this summer.

According to Football Insider, the trio of Championship clubs are considering an approach for the 22-year-old ahead of the new season.

Savage joined the Royals in the 2023 summer transfer window, making the switch from Manchester United, and has cemented himself as a key part of the side in his two seasons in Berkshire.

He featured 45 times in League One last year, with the team narrowly missing out on a play-off place, contributing five goals and seven assists.

Charlie Savage transfer latest

Birmingham and Wrexham are eyeing a move for Savage as part of their plans for life in the Championship.

Both clubs gained promotion to the second tier this year, and will be hoping to bolster their ranks in order to compete in the division.

Savage has earned a lot of plaudits for his performances in the third tier, and it is believed Reading are holding out for up to £2 million for the midfielder.

Portsmouth are in their second campaign back in the second tier, and John Mousinho is looking to build on his side coming 17th in the table.

While the Royals do have new owners, and thus are not in as desperate a position to sell as they might’ve been under the previous regime, a £2 million fee might still be enough for them to cash in.

However, it remains to be seen whether any of these clubs are willing to meet this fee at this time.

Charlie Savage’s importance to Reading

Savage has made 85 league appearances across two seasons for Reading since arriving from Old Trafford.

He was a key part of the team as they battled against relegation in his first campaign, with the side coming 17th in the table as he scored three goals and assisted two.

Savage grew in importance in his second season with the club under both Ruben Selles and Noel Hunt, becoming a standout player in League One in the process.

Savage departure would be a blow for Reading

Reading’s new ownership doesn’t mean their players won’t still attract plenty of transfer interest, so this won’t come as a surprise to the club or supporters.

Savage was a standout part of their promotion push last year, and his performances showed he might be ready for the step up to the Championship.

Birmingham and Wrexham are both ambitious projects that will be attractive to someone like the Reading midfielder.

But the option of working under Mousinho will also be tempting after the good work he’s done at Fratton Park, so the Royals will have a hard time keeping him if this £2 million asking price is met.