Reading reject Stevenage bid for young midfielder
01/28/2025 07:42 AM
Reading have rejected a bid from fellow League One side Stevenage for Michael Craig, as per Pete O’Rourke.
Reading sit just one point outside the play-offs in League One and will be hoping a strong second half to the season can see them end up inside the top six come May.
Stevenage are down in 15th. They should have more than enough to survive any danger this season, but they are unlikely to finish any higher than mid-table.
Stevenage are looking at ways to strengthen this month and they have identified Craig as a target.
Craig, 21, has played 24 times for the Royals this season in the third tier.
The English midfielder typically operates in a deeper role, but can also cover right back if needed.
He is in the final six months of his contract now and Stevenage have tested the waters with a bid. However, O’Rourke reports that bid has been rejected and it remains to be seen whether a new one will be tabelled.
Room to grow
The 21-year-old joined Reading after coming through Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.
He didn’t break into their first team consistently until last season when he made 28 appearances in League One as Reading struggled with several off the pitch factors.
Craig has once again proven his ability to perform at this level and with time and room to grow it is no surprise he is attracting interest this month.
With his contract expiring in the summer Reading have to make a decision soon. They either sell for a fee this month, or bank on him signing an extension otherwise they will lose their man for nothing.
Looking ahead
Reading are winless in their last three and a slight dip in form has halted their progress towards the top six. However, an away trip to Burton Albion tonight provides the ideal opportunity for them to get back to winning ways.
The Brewers sit bottom of the league and despite showing improved performances as of late, the visitors should have enough to win the game if they are at their best.
The Royals are still in somewhat of a transition period following the departure of boss Ruben Selles and it will take time for them to settle under new leadership.
Stevenage travel to Wrexham tonight who are enjoying yet another successful season so far. Phil Parkinson’s side have their sights set on another promotion and they will expect tonight to be a routine win.
However, if Stevenage can defeat the odds and take a result it may just be what they need to build some momentum heading into the final few months of the campaign.
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