Brian McDermott has said on BBC Radio Berkshire that John Swift is good enough to play for Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United or Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
McDermott, a former Reading and Leeds manager, has raved about Swift, who is a key player for the Royals.
The 60-year-old worked with Swift at Reading and is well aware of what he is capable of.
The Star reported in October 2021 that Leeds and Newcastle United were among the clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old attacking midfielder.
The 26-year-old is out of contact at Reading at the end of the season.
John Swift backed for Leeds United or Aston Villa
“You could stick him in at someone like Aston Villa as technically he’s very good,” McDermott said on BBC Radio Berkshire, as transcribed by MOTLeedsNews.
“He makes goals, he scores goals and I can see him ending up at somewhere like Aston Villa or someone like Leeds United.
“He can play, he sees a pass but it’s hard to say [how good he will be] until you put them in that environment.”

Elland Road switch
In our opinion, Swift would be a good signing for Leeds, especially as he would be a free agent in the summer of 2022.
Now, as McDermott notes, we will not know for sure if Swift can succeed at Leeds until and unless he actually plays for the Whites.
What we do know is that Swift is a very good and creative midfielder who is still only 26.
His best years are ahead of him.
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The Reading no. 10 has made 33 starts and two substitute appearances in the Championship so far this season.
Swift has scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists in those games.
The attacking midfielder scored six goals and gave 10 assists in the league last season.
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