Sheffield United have lodged a bid for Reading FC star John Swift, the Reading Chronicle understands.

The Blades have joined Leeds United in the hunt for Swift and have lodged a bid in an attempt to lure the playmaker away from the Madejski Stadium.

Manager Mark Bowen reluctantly admitted last week that the club 'may be forced to sell' a number of the highest earning players at the club as they bid to stave off the increased financial strains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Swift joined Reading on a free transfer in 2016 and his current contract expires in 2022. 

He has been directly involved in 15 goals for Reading this season - finding the back of the net five times and providing ten assists in the league so far this year.