Reading FC eyeing ex-West Brom player - Portsmouth snubbed him this summer | OneFootball

Nathan Ferguson is currently on trial with Reading FC ahead of a possible summer move

Reading FC are considering a deal to sign Nathan Ferguson as a free agent.

According to The Reading Chronicle, the former West Brom player is currently on trial with the League One side ahead of a possible move.

Ferguson came through the academy system at the Hawthorns before moving to Crystal Palace in 2020, where he spent four years.

But the full-back is currently without a club since his departure from Selhurst Park last summer, with injuries hampering his progress with the Premier League club.

Reading offer Nathan Ferguson trial

Reading manager Noel Hunt has confirmed that the Royals are considering a permanent offer for the 24-year-old.

The coach has revealed that the defender is currently training with the first team squad, with no decision yet made over his future.

"Potentially," said Hunt, via The Reading Chronicle, when asked about a permanent move for Ferguson.

"He’s a great kid and he’s been out of the game for a little while, but he can play in a number of positions.

“He’s in to train and we’ll see how he gets on."

Ferguson previously spent time on trial with Portsmouth earlier this summer, which failed to materialise in a move to Fratton Park.

Reading FC’s remaining summer business

Hunt has made it clear that Reading are keen to get more business done before the summer market closes on 1 September.

He has hinted that their focus will be on bringing in more experience to the side, as they look to push on from their seventh place finish from last year.

"I would like to think so," added Hunt, when asked about further signings.

"I hope so.

“We are working hard; we need a bit of experience and know-how to help out the boys."

Reading are currently bottom of the League One table, having lost all three of their opening fixtures.

Ferguson needs to prove his fitness before signing anywhere

It’s no surprise that Ferguson has had to go on trial at multiple clubs this summer, as he looks to get his career back on track.

He showed a lot of promise at West Brom, which earned him a move to the Premier League, so there is certainly a player there if he can stay fit.

However, there will be question marks over what kind of talent he now is after a difficult last few years.

Maybe 12 months out of the game has benefitted him, and allowed him the time to get back to a place where he can play every week again, but he must prove that to Reading before any deal could be worth completing for a permanent move.