West Ham United have made contact with Reading about the left-back Omar Richards, who is also interesting Crystal Palace, according to The Reading Chronicle.
The newspaper claims West Ham have enquired about Richards’ availability, but adds that Reading will not discuss the 22-year-old’s future until contract talks are resolved.
Richards’ existing deal is thought to expire at the end of this season and negotiations over a new one are said to be at a ‘very early’ stage.
An initial four-year arrangement is reported to be under discussion.
Crystal Palace have tracked the England Under-21 international for more than a season, according to The Reading Chronicle.
Palace already employ Jeffrey Schlupp, Patrick van Aanholt and Tryick Mitchell in Richards’ position, although the latter pair are also out of contract next summer as things stand.
Richards’ pathway to first-team football looks slightly clearer at West Ham, however both of the Hammers’ senior left-backs Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell are on long-term deals.
Due to his young age, Reading will be due compensation for the Royals academy product, should he walk out of the Madejski Stadium at the end of his contract.
Both West Ham and Crystal Palace are rumoured to have rivalled each other for another Championship talent, Eberechi Eze, in the summer transfer window, before the midfielder’s move to the latter club from Queens Park Rangers.
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