Stoke City have emerged as a rival to Bristol City for Reading’s Andy Rinomhota, Bristol Live understands, as the midfielder edges closer to the exit door in Berkshire.
The Potters, who have former City head coach Dean Holden as Michael O’Neill’s No2, are keen to add another defensive-minded midfielder to their squad and have identified Rinomhota as a summer target.
The 25-year-old is one of several first-team players out of contract at the Royals and despite being offered a new deal at the Select Leasing Car Stadium, the club are understood to have yet received a response.
With his present agreement expiring in just over three weeks, that increases the likelihood that he will call time on his seven years at the club, where he has grown into a consistent Championship performer.
As reported last month, Rinomhota is a player of interest for City with Nigel Pearson keen to reinforce the central midfield area given Han-Noah Massengo is likely to be sold in this transfer window and Andy King’s reduced role after being offered a player/coach position.
Rinomhota might not be the pure defensive midfielder Pearson craves, to provide an additional shield in front of his defence and support Matty James, Joe Williams and Alex Scott, but adds dynamism and also mitigates against potential injury issues surrounding the first two players.
James missed 13 games last season with a foot injury and while Williams started 13 matches in the Championship - 12 more than the previous campaign - understandable concerns around his durability remain.
Rinomhota has been on holiday with fellow out-of-contract Royals midfielder Josh Laurent and Michael Olise, now of Crystal Palace, and is likely to decide his future in the coming fortnight before pre-season begins.
City haven’t made a formal offer but are aware of what it should take to sign him, however there is growing interest throughout the Championship, including at the bet365 Stadium.
In Lewis Baker, Nick Powell, Sam Clucas and Mario Vrancic, Stoke possess plenty of attack-minded midfielders but with Sawyers returning to West Brom following his loan - and now also a free agent - Joe Allen yet to sign a new deal and the only deep-lying player under contract being Jordan Thompson, another individual in that mould is required.
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