Nottingham Forest are preparing a swoop on Reading for Tom Holmes and their supporters aren’t happy.
The Reds have been linked with a pair of Royals this week. Josh Laurent has been the subject of a bid, whilst Holmes is on the radar too.
Forest are seeking defensive reinforcements. The Reds are short at full-back and with the season set to start this weekend, things are getting desperate.
Holmes is primarily a centre-back. That isn’t an area of concern for the Reds, although the Reading man played a number of games at right-back last season.
The 21-year-old has only made 41 appearances for the Royals and made a solid breakthrough campaign during 2020/21.
Reading flirted with the play-offs for a long time and Holmes was a big part of the Royals team during the season.
Financial uncertainty hangs over the Royals. As a result, the Reds are trying to take advantage much to the dismay of the club’s supporters.
Holmes is seen as an important player to the Royals in the future and plenty hope he stays.
Reading are under a soft embargo which basically means any new signings or contract extensions can only be done so on lesser terms.
Supporters gutted at thought of Holmes going to Forest
Of course, this is only a rumour at this stage. It would seem as though Reading fans would be desperately disappointed to see a talented youngster leave, however.
Holmes has yet to really get going at the Madejski Stadium. He was good last season but there is plenty more to come from him.
Forest are desperate for a full-back or two though. It seems unlikely that anyone will be in place by Sunday, although that needs to be different by the end of August.
Following the reports linking Holmes to Forest, we looked at what Reading fans were saying about the potential transfer on Twitter.