Crystal Palace Line Up Move for Danny Loader as Reading Contract Winds Down

Danny Loader
Reading’s Danny Loader. | Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Reading forward Danny Loader, who looks set to leave the Championship club this summer.

The 19-year-old joined the Royals’ first team in 2017, being promoted from the club’s youth setup. With his contract expiring this summer and, with financial uncertainty amid the coronavirus pandemic, he looks likely to be on the way out of the club.

Danny LoaderDanny Loader
Loader in action for Reading in the FA Cup Third Round Replay. | Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

As reported by The Daily Mail, Crystal Palace have identified Loader as a transfer target, and could make a move at the end of the season. He can leave on a free transfer once his contract runs out, after Reading had to retract their new contract offer due to financial strains.

The Championship side had offered Loader a deal worth £9,000 a week, in what would have likely been a long-term contract. However, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic means that they cannot afford to offer such a substantial contract, opening the door for an exit in the summer.

While the young forward can leave for free, Reading would still receive compensation from his next club, thanks to him being a product of the club’s academy.

Ashley Young, Danny LoaderAshley Young, Danny Loader
Loader playing in the FA Cup against Manchester United. | Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Loader joined Reading’s youth setup in 2012, rising through the ranks before making his first team debut in August 2017. Just 16-years-old when making his senior debut, he signed his first professional contract with the Royals weeks later.

Crystal Palace seem keen to sign the English forward, in what would be a big step-up to the Premier League. The Eagles aren’t the only top flight club interested in Loader, with Wolves having previously tried to sign the youngster without success.

Nuno Espirito Santo, Roy HodgsonNuno Espirito Santo, Roy Hodgson
Crystal Palace’s Roy Hodgson and Wolves’ Nuno Espirito Santo. | Stephen Pond/Getty Images

There is also other interest from a number of Championship clubs, as Leeds and Swansea are keeping an eye on him. However, the youngster is more likely to want to make a move to the Premier League, which would leave Palace and Wolves in a head-to-head battle to sign him.

Now 19 years old, Loader has been earning more regular gametime since the 2018/19 season. He has made 12 appearances this season, scoring once in the FA Cup third round meeting with Blackpool at the start of the year.

For more from Nischal Schwager-Patel, follow him on Twitter here!

Let’