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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Reading targeting swoop for Swansea City defender Ryan Bennett as potential snag arises

Reading are targeting a move for Swansea City defender Ryan Bennett, WalesOnline understands.

The centre-back was a mainstay for the Swans in the opening half of last season but fell out of favour under Russell Martin. Earlier this year, the head coach admitted it would be best for all parties if Bennett left the club.

The 32-year-old has not travelled with Swansea for their week-long training camp at Pennyhill Park. And it's understood Championship rivals Reading are keen to sign the former Wolves man - whose contract with Swansea expires in the summer of 2023.

READ MORE: Swansea City to complete signing of Ben Blythe from Doncaster Rovers

Speaking about Bennett in April, Martin said: "Ryan knows where we're at. We had a really good chat about it. He’s not part of our plans moving forward. He knows that.

"To play this way you have to be all in. It’s difficult for some people. He got into really good form then came out of the team and struggled to find it again. In his absence the guys have accelerated their growth."

Finances could be a stumbling block in a potential move, with Bennett required to take a significant pay cut to join the Royals - who are under a transfer embargo for breaching Profit and Sustainability rules. It means Paul Ince's side would have to find a solution to make a deal fit within English Football League rules given that they are at present only permitted to sign free agents or loan players.

Swansea have already bolstered their defence this summer having signed Harry Darling, Nathan Wood and Wasiri Williams while they are also poised to complete the capture of Ben Blythe from Doncaster Rovers.

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