READING ARE IN a battle to retain the services of talented Irish youngster Liam Kelly, according to HITC.

A product of the Reading academy, Kelly is quickly becoming a regular in the first-team this season, having made 13 appearances across all competitions for Jaap Stam’s side, including the EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.

He has also started Reading’s last three Championship games, where they secured victories over Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City.

The 21-year-old’s progress has attracted attention from Premier League sides, including Swansea. It was previously rumoured that Rangers expressed an interest in the Republic of Ireland U21 international, in a bid to bolster their midfield options.

Stam later dismissed those claims and indicated that the Royals were keen to discuss a possible extension to Kelly’s contract, which expires in the summer.

At the time, he said: 

“Liam is a player who we brought through into the first-team squad. I think you know how we think about him. From what I’ve heard he’s in talks about a new contract and I don’t want to lose him. I want him to stay here.”

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