Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit backs Derby County to sign Reading FC star | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Don Goodman has been discussing whether Derby should go back in for Reading star Harvey Knibbs this summer.

Reading star Harvey Knibbs was the subject of significant transfer interest from Derby County during the winter window.

Journalist Darren Witcoop revealed via X at the beginning of January that the Rams were keen on securing the services of the 25-year-old midfielder.

It was also reported that fellow Championship sides Portsmouth and Oxford United were also interested in signing the former Cambridge United star.

However, no such move materialised, and the Royals' number seven has continued to play a key role in helping the club push for a play-off finish in League One during the second half of the campaign.

"I don't think that matters" - Don Goodman sends Derby County clear Harvey Knibbs transfer message

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Don Goodman: 'Should Derby County consider revisiting their interest in Reading's Harvey Knibbs this summer? He was heavily courted by them in January...'

Goodman said: "I've got to say, Harvey Knibbs is not a player I've seen too much of.

"But, when you break down the numbers: he's 25, he's in the prime of his life, he's scoring goals for fun, he seems to hit the target with an awful lot of his strikes that he takes, he's a big lad.

"So, I was going to base part of my answer on depending on what division Derby County are in, but I don't think that actually matters.

"I think he would be a brilliant addition. Certainly if they were in League One, and I think the timing is right for him to test himself at the next level in terms of the Championship, and see if he can build on what has been a brilliant couple of seasons at Reading."

As Goodman alluded to, Knibbs is 25 and firmly in the prime years of his career, but the attack-minded midfielder is yet to play at a higher level than League One football.

Having enjoyed two highly impressive seasons in the third tier as a Reading player over the last two seasons, and having enjoyed success at the level previously with Cambridge, it does now feel as though he's outgrown League One.

He's set to enter his final 12 months under contract with the Royals this summer, meaning that should the club wish to receive a significant fee for their talismanic midfielder, then cashing in this summer may prove to be their final opportunity to bank a chunky transfer fee for him.

Therefore, should Reading fail to secure promotion to the Championship this season, then it does feel as though retaining his services for another campaign in the third tier will be a very big ask for the club.

Clubs throughout the second tier such as Derby will no doubt be aware of Knibb's stellar season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and given his contract situation, many transfer chiefs will surely spot the potential for a bargain buy.