Bayern close in on free-transfer move for £15m-rated Championship ace

Bayern Munich are in negotiations with Reading defender Omar Richards, claims a report.

TEAMtalk reported in October that Reading were looking to tie him down to a new long-term deal.

They hoped the homegrown product could be persuaded to sign, but he has yet to pen a new contract.

Instead Sport Bild report that Bayern are close to agreeing a deal for the left-back.

Richards, whose current contract expires at Reading in the summer, has featured in 21 Championship games for the club season.

The 22-year-old has been one of the Championship’s stand-out performers. We understand half-a-dozen Premier League clubs have watched him this season, including West Ham, Newcastle and Leicester.

However, a move to the Bundesliga looks set to materialise with his agent in talks with the German champions.

The Guardian recently claimed Richards was in line for a three-year deal in Bavaria.

 

 

Bayern boss Hansi Flick is looking for more cover on the left of his defence. David Alaba is likely to leave in the summer after his new contract offer was withdrawn in November.

£15m prospect

Real Madrid are favourites to sign Alaba and Flick wants some competition for established left-back, Alphonso Davies.

Sky Sports reported earlier this month that Reading officials believe Richards would be worth in excess of £15m if they were able to tie him to a new contract.

However, that has become more difficult due to the stringent financial regulations in the Championship. And Reading feel the EFL’s Profitability and Sustainability rules “have made it impossible for them to offer Richards the kind of deal which would keep him at the Madejski Stadium”.