Sheffield United will stand firm in their pursuit of former Chelsea youngster

Sheffield United will stand firm on their valuation of Reading’s John Swift, believing his desire to join Chris Wilder’s side means there is no need to be drawn into an auction for the midfielder.
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Although newly promoted Leeds and Aston Villa are also being linked with Swift, United believe the fact their interest can be traced back to the end of the January transfer window has made an impression on the former Chelsea youngster, as he plots the next stage of his career.

After seeing their opening bid rejected by the Championship club’s board of directors, United’s negotiation team are understood to have returned with an improved second offer earlier this month. Despite reportedly being resigned to losing Swift, officials at the Madejski Stadium are determined to secure the highest price possible and receive most of the fee he eventually commands up front rather than on a staged basis. The scheduling of add-on and performance related payments, which are now added to almost every top-flight deal, is believed to be another source of disagreement - although United remain confident they can push the deal through before Wilder’s squad begin preparing for the new Premier League season later this month.

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Swift, aged 25, scored six goals in 45 appearances for Mark Bowen’s side last season and provided more assists than any other player at the former Wales international’s disposal.

Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder wants to sign Reading's John Swift: SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSheffield United's manager Chris Wilder wants to sign Reading's John Swift: SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder wants to sign Reading's John Swift: SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

United are also monitoring Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash, who could be set to leave the City Ground after their failure to win promotion.

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