"I’m cautious" - Claim made as Portsmouth plot Reading FC transfer | OneFootball

Portsmouth have been advised to try and strike a deal for the 16-goal midfielder

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Portsmouth are reportedly keen on a swoop for Reading midfielder Harvey Knibbs.

According to RDG Today, Pompey are among a whole host of Championship clubs, including Sheffield United and Oxford United, that are eyeing up a move for the 26-year-old.

Reading manager Noel Hunt has admitted that there is concrete interest in Knibbs’ services, but only a “good offer” will force his side to sell up.

The midfielder is yet to feature in any pre-season matches, which has led to increased speculation surrounding his future at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. However, this absence has been put down to injury issues.

Football League World’s Portsmouth fan pundit, Miltos Ioannidis, would be in favour of Pompey signing Knibbs this summer, but is cautious over his side’s ability to do so.

Portsmouth backed in pursuit of Harvey Knibbs

“Harvey Knibbs is a player that we seem to keep getting linked with every summer,” stated Miltos. “But he’s a player that I would probably welcome with open arms.

“Considering that he's been putting up some really impressive numbers at League One level for both Reading and Cambridge United.

“I don't know the likelihood of us actually signing him because he's a player that we get linked with continuously, so I’m cautious to see where this interest actually goes.

“He's been recording some really impressive numbers in the league below us, but what we need are good players; we don't necessarily need to try to sign proven players.

“Callum Lang was not a Championship-proven player, but he showed that he can play at that level before this season.

“I'm keeping my cards close to my chest right now because it’s unclear whether we can get a move over the line; we've been getting linked with this guy for three or four consecutive summer transfer windows now.”

Harvey Knibbs would be a solid signing for Portsmouth, but they face strong competition

It’s clear to see why John Mousinho and Co. are putting their hat in the ring for Knibbs’ services, as the midfielder has enjoyed flying form over the past couple of seasons.

Knibbs scored 14 goals in League One last term and finished as the Royals’ top scorer, whilst also adding a further two goals in the EFL Trophy. This saw him follow up on his previous debut 23/24 season with the club in very strong fashion, having netted 11 times alongside providing six assists the year prior.

These are impressive goal contribution numbers from the middle of the park and would be a real asset for Pompey next term.

However, the other clubs credited with an interest in Knibbs could prove to be the biggest obstacle for Portsmouth.

Sheffield United suffered play-off heartbreak last term and will be desperate to fight for a place in the top-flight once more.

This would be an incredibly appealing option to Knibbs and may prove to be too much for Pompey to compete with during negotiations.