Sheffield United, Stoke City, Norwich City in transfer battle for Reading FC star | OneFootball

Charlie Savage has emerged as a target for the trio of Championship sides

This is according to CaughtOffside, who have namedropped the trio of sides in their revelations, as well as stating that numerous other Championship clubs are monitoring the 21-year-old's current situation with the League One outfit.

The Royals currently occupy the final play-off spot in the third tier, having accumulated 41 points from their opening 24 games, despite the well-documented backdrop of continuous financial uncertainty under Dai Yongge's ownership, as well as losing previous head coach Ruben Selles to Hull City at the start of last month.

Unsurprisingly, given that the Berkshire club find themselves in such a high league position after carrying on such form under the guidance of club legend Noel Hunt, many of the Irishman's youthful side have been linked with a move to clubs higher up the footballing ladder, with Savage falling into said category once more.

Charlie Savage linked with a potential Championship move

The midfielder - and son of former Premier League and EFL stalwart, Robbie - has been an influential figure in Reading's strong opening half of the campaign, which, in turn, has seen him catch the eye of clubs in the second tier.

As CaughtOffside reference, the promotion-chasing Blades, who have recently been taken over by COH Sports, are one of those clubs, alongside play-off hopefuls Norwich as well as Stoke, in what is Mark Robins' first transfer window in charge of the Staffordshire outfit.

The report continues by saying that all three clubs are hopeful of striking a deal in the coming weeks, as they hope to test the resolve of the cash-strapped Royals ahead of Deadline Day on 3rd February.

However, it has been said that it remains to be seen what valuation Championship clubs have placed on the two-time Wales international's services, as there is the potential for a bidding war to circulate over the midfielder, who signed a four-year deal at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in July 2023.

Reading FC could find it difficult to retain Charlie Savage's services

Despite the fact that Reading have put themselves in a great position to mount a play-off bid against all odds, it could be extremely difficult for the League One side to retain the services of one of their prized assets.

Of course, exit talk surrounding Savage is nothing new, having been linked with the likes of Derby County, Ajax and FC Twente at points last season, and a tally of six goals and as many assists in all competitions so far this campaign will only heighten interest from other sides.

Losing such an influential talent at this stage would be a huge blow, as Hunt would be unable to replace Savage as Reading are unable to register any new additions due to their current embargo after breaching the EFL's Regulation 16.7.4 Submission of Annual Accounts.

Although there is hope that a takeover of the club will occur in the near future, the uncertainty that has clouded the club during his spell means that Savage may feel that a step-up to the Championship may be the best decision to take for his own development, especially if other key members of the squad are to also jump ship in the coming weeks.