Sheffield United could announce the signing of Reading attacking midfielder John Swift before the “end of the week” according to Berkshire Live reporter Jonathan Low.

The site’s Royals’ correspondent has said the Blades have agreed to pay an initial £3.5m to sign the 25-year-old, with the player set to move to Bramall Lane when the transfer window opens next Monday.

Swift has been at Reading since moving on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2016. He had an outstanding first season at the Madejski Stadium, helping Jaap Stam’s team to the playoffs.

However, injuries have hampered the midfielder since then, although he has returned to prominence this campaign, scoring six goals and contributing 11assists in 44 appearances for the Royals.

With Reading having already secured their Championship status, it has enabled negotiations over a deal for Swift to be conducted early before the current season has even been completed.