Plymouth Argyle and Millwall battling Stoke City for Reading FC forward | OneFootball

Three Championship clubs are in for Reading's Femi Azeez

Championship trio Plymouth Argyle, Stoke City and Millwall are in a three-way race to seal a deal for Reading FC winger Femi Azeez in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

This is according to a recent reveal from Darren Witcoop via his X account, where he has credited the Championship trio with an interest in the Royals forward.

The 23-year-old's future in Berkshire has appeared uncertain throughout the summer following a terrific individual campaign for the Royals in League One, scoring nine goals and registering an equal number of assists across all competitions.

However, Azeez's current contract is set to expire in just under 12 months' time, and Reading will be keen to avoid the prospect of losing his services without any compensation.

Nonetheless, his exploits in the 2023/24 campaign have put Championship suitors on red alert and it will be interesting to see the direction his future takes in the coming weeks.

Plymouth, Stoke City and Millwall in for Reading's Femi Azeez

Witcoop's reveal refers to the Championship interest in Azeez's signature as "strong", with two clubs having already placed bids.

Stoke's interest in Azeez was first called yesterday in a previous report by TEAMtalk, which informed that their undisclosed bid has been turned down.

Millwall and Stoke have reportedly seen initial bids rejected, the value of which remains unclear, but it does seem as though the two outfits could look to further test Reading's resolve before the window is up.

The Lions and the Potters have both been busy this summer and have splashed the cash when necessary, so they may not be done with Azeez just yet.

Meanwhile, Plymouth are also said to be keen on the forward although they are seemingly yet to make a formal advance, which may see them fall behind in the chasing pack.

Femi Azeez should stay put at Reading FC for now

For the first time in what does feel like forever for Royals supporters, there is palpable positivity and renewed hope buzzing around the club after years of peril under the disastrous regime of Dai Yongge.

According to Bloomberg UK, ex-Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is finally closing in on his £30 million takeover of Reading, which will see the club freed from Yongge's "ownership". It will also ease Reading's long-term financial concerns, with Couhig's consortium promising to pay off the club's growing debts.

As ever when a new owner comes in but particularly against the backdrop of recent history, fans will hope Couhig can build a long-term vision for the club and eventually - though patience will be needed, no doubt - guide them back to the Championship and beyond.

Reading could have a real project going on and Azeez will have to ask himself if it's really worth trading that for certain Championship sides, even if he has earned a step-up.

Of course, there are a number of Championship clubs who would represent a great fit and accommodate significant career progression for Azeez. However, the three interested parties each have drawbacks that should really see Azeez stay put or hold out for a better move.

Plymouth appear to be the general favourites for relegation this season and such claims are not necessarily unfounded either, with Sunday afternoon's opening 4-0 thrashing at Sheffield Wednesday providing all the evidence that it could prove to be a long old year at Home Park.

Much will be expected of Wayne Rooney too, who is entering what only feels like the last-chance saloon as far as his managerial career is concerned, and while Argyle fans are onside with the ex-Derby County and DC United boss for the time being, his spell at Birmingham City does prompt real concern that is difficult to completely ignore.

Admittedly, Stoke are in better health than the Pilgrims and could be onto a good thing this season in ex-Plymouth manager Steven Schumacher's first full term in charge - Bosun Lawal, Lewis Koumas, Eric Bocat and Viktor Johannson resemble the most impressive picks of a generally positive window in the Potteries.

But Azeez could find a regular starting berth somewhat difficult to come by amid competition from Bae Junho, Million Manhoef and even Koumas, who recently joined the club on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

At the age of 23, Azeez simply cannot afford to fall short of playing regular football, which could well be a possibility at Stoke.

On the other hand, you would realistically tip Azeez to displace rising Lions prospect Romain Esse in Neil Harris' side.

However, Harris' direct, route-one style often fails to get the very best out of his wide players and Millwall do not really look like challenging any higher than mid-table, too.