Reading are set to win the race for Colchester United winger Kyreece Lisbie, according to reports.
The 22-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough season at the JobServe Community Stadium, becoming an ever-present under Danny Cowley. His 11 goals and six assists in League Two caught the eye of several teams in the division above, with news gathering pace at the weekend that his current employers had accepted three bids.
Reading were amongst the potential suitors, with Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town the others leading the pursuit. The Reading Chronicle claimed yesterday that the Royals had equalled the offer on personal terms from their division rivals, with the player now deciding his next move.
Reading Set For Major Coup
Reading are gearing up for a fourth successive season in League One, but they only have one thing in mind. Owner Rob Couhig promised ‘several additions‘ to the squad this summer, and it looks as if the first major signing is almost over the line.
According to The Wednesday Word, Lisbie has opted to join the Berkshire-based club. It is said that the ex-Brentford youngster favours the deal due to location.
This has also been backed up by Sky Sports journalist Peter Smith, who claims that Lisbie is currently undergoing a medical at the League One outfit.
The deal represents Colchester’s final opportunity to land a decent fee for their prized asset, with his current contract set to expire next summer. Previous reports stated that the fee with stand somewhere in the region of between £500,000 to £750,000.
Reading will be delighted to finally get this deal over the line. They previously tried to sign the attacker in January, although the move was blocked by U’s chairman Robbie Cowling.
Lisbie First Piece Of The Jigsaw?
Reading suffered a disappointing end to the most recent season, picking up just one win from their final eight games. This saw them drop out of the play-off places to eventually finish 12th.
On top of that, they had to watch on as both Lincoln City and Cardiff City secured their respective promotions to the Championship at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. This will have no doubt given manager Leam Richardson the inspiration to repeat the feat next season.
Lisbie will offer an extra attacking threat, with his versatility across an array of positions in the final third making him an attractive prospect. The only doubt is whether he will need time to adjust to League One, but if last season was any indicator, he is more than capable of making the step up.
The Royals will see this as a major coup, especially having beaten so many of their division rivals to his signature. Oxford United and Peterborough United had also been touted with an interest in recent weeks.
