Phillips makes ‘big’ Swift claim after Leeds source’s update today
Kevin Phillips fears it would be “a big ask” for Reading midfielder John Swift to hit the ground running at Leeds United from January.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Sunderland and England striker urged the Whites to instead target a midfielder with vast Premier League experience.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are in the market for midfielders in January to ease their injury problems.
A Leeds source told Football Insider (23 December) that the club are lining up a move for Reading star John Swift, 26, and updated today to reveal they are still monitoring his situation.
The Yorkshire club have been considering a move for Swift since 2019 with has Bielsa a big admirer of the goalscoring midfielder.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Swift’s credentials, Phillips said: “In my opinion, it’s a big ask to go from Reading to the Premier League with Leeds.
“He’s a good player but I cannot see him performing week in, week out in the Premier League and that is what Leeds need right now.
“Swift has been around a while, yes, but he hasn’t got that experience at the top-top level. I’d go for someone who has been there, seen it, done it. Who has a wealth of Premier League experience and knows what is expected.
“Do not put that much pressure on someone with limited experience.”
Swift has contributed eight goals and nine assists in 21 Championship appearances this season.
He has six months remaining on his contract with Reading.
In other news, a pundit has defended Bielsa after am ‘explosive moment’ on the Leeds training ground revealed.