JOHN Swift admitted Reading FC will pull off a major coup if they sign Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker this summer.

Baker, 21, has emerged as a loan target for the Royals after learning his opportunities with the Premier League champions would be limited.

And Swift, who played with Baker for several years during his stint at Stamford Bridge, said his fellow England Under 21 international would be a welcomed addition to Royals’ midfield.

“Technically he is very, very good. He can use both feet, he is strong and he runs a lot," stated Swift, who penned a new five-year deal with the Royals earlier this week.

“But the main thing is his technique and for a midfielder at Reading that is the main thing at the moment because of the way we want to play.

“He would benefit us a lot and he can get on the scoresheet as well. He showed that for England Under 21s and his two-year loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem.

“I played with him for five or six years. He’s a great player.”

Reading Chronicle:

John Swift signed a new five-year contract with Reading FC.

Meanwhile, Royals continue to be linked with a move for long-term target and Huddersfield Town forward Nahki Wells.

Boss Jaap Stam confirmed the 27-year-old is one of the club's top targets following Reading’s pre-season defeat against Vitesse Arnhem last weekend.

And he says it is now down to director of football, Brian Tevreden, to get the deal over the line.

“Nahki Wells is one of the names that we have been looking at,” stated Stam.

“It’s not up to me if we can bring certain players in. We have a list of several players that we would like to bring in to help us out and make a difference.

“It’s up to the man upstairs to bring those players in.”

Reading have signed three players this summer after bringing in Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone for £2m, Wolves striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson in deal reported to be worth up to £3m plus Pelle Clement from Ajax Jong for around £600,000.

But Stam has lost two key playes from last season's squad after free agent Danny Williams moved to Huddersfield after rejecting a new deal and Player of ther Year Ali Al-Habsi joined Saudi giants Al-Hilal for around £300,000.

However, Royals have also acted quickly to tie down a number of their most sought-after players on new contracts.

Liam Moore became the latest star to pen a long-term deal yesterday following Liam Kelly, Chris Gunter and Swift.