THREE central midfielders from Reading FC are being chased by a host of rival clubs.

Danny Williams is the latest member of the sought-after trio to be heavily linked with a move this summer.

Reports suggest Newcastle United, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Swansea City are all vying for the USA international's signature.

Williams, 27, has one year remaining on his Royals contract and is widely expected to leave the Madejski Stadium this summer while the club's Thai owners balance the books.

Highly-rated youngster Aaron Tshibola and Northern Ireland international Oliver Norwood are also being heavily linked with rival clubs.

Stories suggesting Reading have agreed a £2m deal with Norwich City for Tshibola emerged this week, though sources at Madejski Stadium insists it is nothing more than speculation.

Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brendan Rodgers' Celtic have also been linked with the 21-year-old classy midfield star, who has three years left on his contract.

Tshibola burst onto the scene last season, but his progress was curtailed by an ankle problem in October 2015.

His comeback in January then ended in heartache as he suffered a severe hamstring injury during a 4-0 FA Cup win against Walsall.

The hamstring tear was so bad that Tshibola needed an operation which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

He has been working hard on his fitness ever since and he spent most of this summer at the club's Hogwood Park training ground in a bid to be ready for the 2016/17 Championship season.

The future of Norwood is also uncertain following speculation Hull City are preparing a £1.5m swoop for the 25-year-old midfielder.

Meanwhile, Reading could use their new Dutch connections in an attempt to land 30-year-old midfielder Joey van den Berg from Heerenveen.

Van den Berg is currently out of contract and previously worked under Royals boss Jaap Stam at FC Zwolle. Media in Holland suggest FC Twente are also keen to sign him.

Another player linked with a move to Reading is Manchester United full-back Tyler Blackett. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Celtic.