Football
Exclusive: Reading Hold Firm as Pompey and Norwich Chase Charlie Savage
Portsmouth and Norwich City are eyeing Reading's Charlie Savage, but the Royals want £1.5m for the young midfielder. Oxford United's bids were rejected and Reading is reluctant to sell during a potential play-off push. Savage, 22, is highly sought after due to his talent and potential, making him a target for both clubs aiming to avoid relegation. Reading faces a dilemma of selling him now or risk losing him for free if they don't secure promotion.
Lincoln City v Reading - Sky Bet League One by Andrew Vaughan | Getty Images
Portsmouth and Norwich City are plotting late moves for Reading’s Charlie Savage, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The Royals’ midfielder has been the sources of major interest this month as the Championship vultures have descended on one of League One’s brightest prospects.
Oxford United have seen two bids, of £500,000 and £750,000, turned down by their local rivals.
Savage was new U’s boss Matt Bloomfield’s top target this window, but it is understood the club have been priced out of a move.
Reading are ready to dig their heels in and do not want to lose their star man at this key stage of the season, with the ambition of making the play-offs still a possibility.
Our sources understand they value Savage at £1.5million and will not budge in terms of asking price.
Both Pompey and the Canaries are eager to get reinforcements through the door this month in order to beat the drop.
And they are both believed to be prepared to stump up the cash for the two-time Welsh international.
Additionally, Norwich City see Finnish striker Benjamin Kallman as a potential solution if Josh Sargent departs, with the 27-year-old international bringing Bundesliga 2 experience, a proven goalscoring record, and 35 caps for Finland.
Destined for a Championship Move
Still only 22, Savage has bags of potential. Technically gifted, the ball-playing centre-mid came through the Manchester United academy like father Robbie.
Savage made his one and only Red Devils’ appearance in 2021, during a Champions League fixture against Young Boys where he replaced Juan Mata.
He penned a four-year deal at Reading in 2023 and has gone on to make over 100 league appearances for the club and has scored 14 goals in all competitions for the Royals.
Reading realise they will likely be unable to keep Savage in their ranks if they fail to gain promotion to the Championship.
The question is whether they cash in this season, with a year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, or gamble with losing him for free next year if they fail to go up.
Shane is a seasoned sports journalist and one of the most recognisable voices in the snooker pressroom. From Ronnie O’Sullivan to Zhao Xintong, he has sat down with the sport’s biggest names and broken hundreds of front-page national stories.
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