West Ham have been given an early warning they will have their work cut out if they hope to snatch left back Omar Richards away in the January transfer window.
The Hammers have been strongly linked with the 22-year-old who very much fits David Moyes’ Championship transfer window profile.
But with Reading already seven points ahead at the top of the table and going strong for a Premier League return the club are determined to do all they can to keep the defender at the club.
He has been an ever-present this season and made his first appearances in the team as a 19-year-old after graduating from the Royals’ under 23s.
Thus it’s no big surprise the club are determined to do all they can to keep him and have already started new contract talks with his contract running out in June.
The local newspaper reports that negotiations are believed to be at a very early stage although interestingly he is represented by The Stellar Group with whom the Irons have regular dealings.
Richards has also been tracked by Palace over the last year and will be strong rivals for signature.