Transfer rumours: Osborne, Roberts, Cywka and Sharp

Berkshire bound?

We’ve come into some money so the rumours are flying. Michael Owen, Arshavin and even Pavlyuchenko have been touted. Get a grip people, here’s the more likely…

Karleigh Osborne
As previously discussed, the versatile defender at Brentford looks set to be arriving at the Mad Stad sooner rather than later. The 23 year old is out of contract in the summer, and with the player confirming his interest in stepping up to the second tier, Brentford are willing to sell. Charlton were credited with an interest earlier in the season, but have had their approaches turned down. Brian McDermott admitted his interest on Monday, and a fee of £200k is being earmarked as enough to lure Osborne. He can play at the centre or on the right, is pacy and has a decent header on him.

Sean Morrison
Has returned on loan to League One Huddersfield. Morrison spent some time on loan there at the end of last season, but with the club in great form, was unable to displace their centreback pairing. Lee Clarke saw enough to bring Sean back, however, and fingers crossed he gets some decent minutes this time round. Just 21 years old, Morrison’s time at Reading is far from over, he just needs some more development. I mean, how good was Alex Pearce at 21? Exactly. This also looks set to pave the way for Osborne arriving.

Jason Roberts
Hmm, I know. I’m on the fence about this one. At 33, Roberts may be starting to see the white light at the end of his career tunnel, but he does bring something different to the side. A tall figure, still with a bit of pace, Roberts could be the man to pair up with Le Fondre, holding the ball up whilst the midfield join in the attack. He hasn’t played much this season, which could see part of his loan deal being taken up with getting him back to fitness. I’m happy if it doesn’t happen, happy if it does. Your move Jason.

Tomasz Cywka
If the Polish media can be believed, this is set to go ahead any minute. Following his release from Derby a fortnight ago, the 22 year old was back in his native country searching for a club. The following is a direct quote from Poland Soccer Blog:

“When I was sitting in his office (Slask’s President), my phone rang. I did not pick it up, but later I read my agent’s message and he wrote that Reading submitted an offer for me. I ask the (Slask) President for some time to think everything over and I made few phone calls,” Cywka said. “Finally, I decided that I want to play for Reading, and Slask understood my decision. They even helped me book a flight ticket back to England and drove me to the airport.”

Ominous. He’s a free transfer, which is a plus. He’s young, which is a plus. He’s an attacking midfielder, BIG plus. He was released from Derby after falling out with Nigel Clough, who, to be honest was a fucking arsehole over the whole shebang. Many Derby fans on have criticising Clough for his very public handling of the situation and the overriding view is that Tomasz would make a great signing for any Championship club. Some say he disappears for lots of the game, so in that sense he’s similar to one Matejovsky that used to grace the Mad Stad pitch. But at such a young age and for minimal wages, sign him up McDermott. I’m sure he could use an arm around him.

Billy Sharp
Lot of rumours flying around that this could happen. Sharp rejected a move to Leicester this window, apparently unhappy with not being guaranteed a starting place. Reading could certainly provide him with that, but the move down South may not be so appealing. In any case, would Brian and Hammond spend the reported £3m it would take to trigger his release clause? Me no think so. His move to Sheffield United didn’t go so well last season, and he’s often been plagued with injuries. He’s a top talent though, and I’ve even just noted an estate agent Reading fan claim they’ve had a tentative home viewing booked from one Billy Sharp. McDermott’s been coy on the whole situation, but he’s found form with denying interest in a player before buying them the next day. *cough* Le Fondre *cough*

So we know there’ll be some movement in this window. Who’ll be moving? One week to find out.

Up the Royals.

Category: Rumours, Signings, Transfers