Reading defender Chris Gunter is a wanted man, with Premier League clubs Swansea and Middlesbrough watching his progress along with Leeds United and Aston Villa
Wales’ Chris Gunter is a wanted man
Premier League sides Swansea City and Middlesbrough have joined Aston Villa and Leeds United in pursuit of Wales full-back Chris Gunter, according to the Mirror.
The Reading defender has seemingly caught the eye at Euro 2016, where he has become a crucial element within a Welsh back four that has performed admirably thus far, going above and beyond pre-tournament expectations.
Wales won Group B ahead of rival neighbours England, in one of the surprises of the European Championships so far.
Gunter has played every minute of Wales’ Euro 2016 campaign so far
And the former Nottingham Forest defender may be about to cash in from his Welsh success, with interest coming from Championship heavyweights Leeds United and Aston Villa, as well as Premier League sides Swansea City and Middlesbrough.
Both Leeds and Villa are under new management going into next term, with Garry Monk and Roberto Di Matteo taking the hot-seats at both clubs respectively.
Wales’ Chris Gunter with star man Gareth Bale
Both Leeds and Villa will be targeting a promotion push this season after the disappointments of the last, which saw the Whites endure an indifferent, controversy hit campaign whilst Villa were unceremoniously dumped out of the Premier League for the first time.
But they will have to compete with newly promoted Middlesbrough, who are looking to bolster their ranks in a bid to stay in the division, as well as Francesco Guidolin’s Swansea, should they wish to land the Welsh international.
Wales have won Group B at Euro 2016
The Mirror report that Gunter has a £1 million release clause in his contract, despite the fact that the Royals signed the 26 year old from Forest for over double that, at £2.3 million, in 2012.
Gunter has made over 140 Championship appearances for Reading in his four years at the club, and he currently has 70 Welsh caps to his name.
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