Reading FC urged to avoid Preston North End summer transfer swoop - "It’s a big no" | OneFootball

FLW's Reading fan pundit has given his verdict on the future of Will Keane at the club

Reading have been unable to stay in contention for a play-off place in League One this season, and soon, attentions will start to turn towards a summer transfer window of rebuilding.

The Royals narrowly missed out on a top six finish in the previous campaign as they finished seventh in the table.

But the Berkshire outfit have fallen down the table over the last 12 months, and their hopes of a promotion challenge have faded in the final weeks of the term.

Three defeats in a row in recent fixtures has piled the pressure on manager Leam Richardson, with the club’s attention now turning to the summer and pre-season.

Reading will be hoping to get back into contention for a play-off place in 2026, and the upcoming transfer market could prove key to that ambition.

First a decision will need to be made on the players currently in Richardson’s squad, as they will need to identify who stays and who will leave at the end of the season.

Will Keane permanent deal should not be an option for Reading FC

When asked about a potential deal to keep Will Keane following his current loan spell at the SCL Stadium from Preston North End, FLW’s Reading fan pundit Johnny Hunt claimed that he should be way down the list of options to bolster the attack for next season.

He believes that the Republic of Ireland international forward hasn’t had the impact many expected from him, and that there are better and younger alternatives on the market that the club should be targeting instead.

“It’s a big no for Will Keane signing for us in the summer,” Hunt told Football League World.

“I think even the manager came out and said he hasn’t really hit the heights that they’d hoped he would.

“He’s not made a huge difference or the impact that we probably hoped he would.

“Looking ahead, there’s obviously better options and younger options that we need to be looking at before we go back to him.

“He just didn’t really make much of a difference, whether that was down to the system played or lack of game-time, who knows.

“But I think it’s thanks and all the best, and hope for someone else.”

Keane joined Reading in the January transfer window after he fell way down the pecking order of Paul Heckingbottom’s side, linking up with Richardson once more after they worked together when manager of Wigan Athletic.

The forward made just two substitute appearances in the first half of the Championship season before agreeing a move to the Royals, effectively ending his time at Deepdale with his contract running down.

The 33-year-old has contributed two goals from 14 appearances in League One, starting on only five occasions.

Reading are currently 10th in the third tier standings, nine points adrift of sixth place Stevenage with only two games remaining.

Defeats to Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers and Lincoln City have ended their hopes of a play-off place for this season, and it could be Keane's final week or so as a Royals player if they decide not to make a permanent move for him.

Will Keane signing would be a waste for Reading and Leam Richardson

Reading have seen up close that Keane wouldn’t be a good long-term addition to the squad, so it would be surprising if a permanent deal was made now.

The signing had promise when it was made in January, as he is a Championship experienced player, who scored 13 times in the second tier as recently as 2023/24.

Taking the step down to League One was an obvious route for Keane to get his career back on track, but it simply hasn’t worked with Reading.

With his contract set to expire with Preston this summer, he is now set to become a free agent and it is unclear what the next step in his career will be.