Exclusive: Lee Hendrie backs Blackburn Rovers to strike £2m Reading FC deal | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Blackburn Rovers' interest in signing Charlie Savage

Lee Hendrie has claimed that Reading FC’s Charlie Savage is ready for the step up to the Championship amid interest from Blackburn Rovers.

According to Football Insider, the Lancashire outfit are one of four sides eyeing a move for the midfielder this summer.

It has been claimed that the 22-year-old could be available for as much as £2 million after the Royals finished seventh in League One last season.

But Blackburn face competition from the likes of Wrexham, Portsmouth and Birmingham City in the race to sign the Manchester United academy graduate.

Charlie Savage tipped for Championship level

Hendrie believes that Blackburn need to invest this summer after they narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

He has claimed Savage could be a smart signing, suggesting the Reading star has what it takes to make the step up to the Championship.

“Blackburn have got a lot of young players there, and we’ve seen that with Sunderland this season, I think they’ve done brilliantly to continue how they have done all season and get promoted, I think having a good manager in charge helps. I think Valerien will give them more defensive structure, eventually,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“They need to invest, and I think they need even more younger players to add to that squad, you always need a few experienced heads also I think.

“Again, I think Charlie Savage can take that step up to the Championship and establish himself even more, having had his loan spells at clubs and having been at Reading, where they got so close to having that promotion push also.

“So, for sure, I think he can jump up and play in the Championship.”

Blackburn finished seventh in the Championship table, missing out on a play-off place by just two points under Ismael.

Savage signing could be good business for Blackburn

If Savage is available for £2 million this summer, then it’s no surprise that there are multiple Championship clubs taking a look.

The midfielder was a standout talent in League One last year, and played a key role in Reading being in contention for a play-off place.

Blackburn have shown they are a great spot for younger players to develop their game, with Adam Wharton’s FA Cup success last season a great advertisement for that.

This could attract someone like Savage to the club over the likes of Birmingham or Wrexham, which would be a real coup for the Lancashire outfit.