York City are set to win the chase to sign Arthur Read, with a medical scheduled for the 26-year-old.
Previous reports had stated that the League Two newcomers were engaged in talks to sign the Colchester United midfielder, who is set to leave the Essex club this summer.
Minstermen Secure Deal
Now, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, York have sealed a deal with the soon-to-be free agent, with Read slated for a medical today in order to secure a move.
The former Stevenage man spent three and a half seasons in Essex and has been an ever-dependable figure for the U’s, playing 164 times across his spell.
Last season saw him play in all but one of their League Two matches under Danny Cowley, as Colchester slumped to a mid-table finish despite the promise they could challenge for a playoff spot.
They face a pivotal summer at the Jobserve Community Stadium, facing the unenviable task of replacing both Micah Mbick and Kyreece Lisbie, with the former heading back to Charlton Athletic, and the latter being sold to Reading for a six-figure fee.
No signings have been made as of yet by United, who will face Accrington Stanley on the road in their opening game of the League Two season.
York, meanwhile, face an earlier start due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup preliminary round, where they have been entered into the Southern Section and face Crawley Town.
Vital Experience Added
Given their dominance over the rest of the National League bar Rochdale, it would not have been surprising if York City backed their current ranks to get them through a first season back in the EFL.
However, adding a free agent with a wealth of experience in League Two cannot hurt, and for that reason, Arthur Read is an excellent addition to Stuart Maynard’s plans.
He was arguably one of the most underrated midfielders in the fourth tier last season, and while he was not named in the Team of the Season, he rightfully earned his place in the WhoScored rankings.
Read will be a worthy companion to the Minstermen’s midfield duo of Hiram Boateng and Alex Hunt, and will allow the latter to play in a more attacking role to support Josh Stones, who looks likely to stay amid interest from Sheffield Wednesday.
If York can find a worthy successor to Malachi Fagan-Walcott this summer, then they should have no trouble challenging for back-to-back promotions with this squad at their disposal.
