Conor Hourihane comparison made as Derby County eye Reading FC transfer | OneFootball

Highlights

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…

Derby County are keen on signing Reading midfielder Charlie Savage this January.

According to the Daily Mail, the 20-year-old is a transfer target for the Rams as they look to build a side capable of competing for promotion to the Championship.

Savage joined the Royals last summer, arriving from Manchester United after being unable to break into Erik ten Hag’s first team squad.

He has featured 23 times for the club as they struggle at the bottom of the League One table.

The financial situation at Reading is quite precarious, which could lead to players being available for cut-rate prices during the winter market.

Derby County fan pundit gives Savage verdict

FLW’s Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward believes that Savage would be a good addition to Paul Warne’s side, comparing the youngster to Conor Hourihane.

However, he feels that the Rams have bigger concerns that should be prioritised in the transfer window this month.

“I like Charlie Savage,” Woodward told Football League World.

“He’s a ball-playing centre-midfielder, he’s tall, he can cover the ground, he’s kind of similar to a younger Conor Hourihane really.

“So, if we’re trying to replace like-for-like then great, but, for me, we need that competent midfielder, a bit like [Liam Thompson].

“Glad he’s coming back now, it’ll be like he’s a new signing for him being in that squad, being in and around the first team.

“For me, Charlie Savage would be a good addition to the team, definitely, but let’s hope we get someone with a bit of bite about them as well.”

Derby County league position

Derby are aiming to earn promotion back to the second division at the second attempt, having come seventh in the table last season.

Warne’s side is currently fourth in the standings, five points adrift of the top two spots.

The January window could be a crucial period for the club as they look to make improvements to the first team squad in order to gain ground on the automatic promotion places.

Savage has potential

Savage has performed well since making the move to League One last summer, and has stood out as a positive influence on Reading during a tumultuous time off the pitch.

Derby could use some greater depth in midfield, especially if key players like Max Bird leave.

The likes of Hourihane and Korey Smith are in the latter stages of their careers, so bringing in fresher, younger faces to play in that area is also smart long-term planning.