Reading FC midfielder wanted by Cardiff City, according to reports

The former Shrewsbury Town star joined the Royals on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 and won Player of the Season last year as the side missed out on the play-offs.

Two already in at Cardiff and club confident of signing 3/4 more quickly. Reading’s Josh Laurent top target. Interest in Rotherham striker Michael Smith and talks with free agent Callum O’Dowda. Early days for loans but Ryan Giles’ name will crop up again #cardiffcityfc

— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) May 18, 2022

Out of contract in the summer, the 27-year-old has played 41 times for the club this season, popping up with vital goals in the successful mission of keeping the team in the Championship.

Not short of suitors, journalist Darren Witcoop has reported that Laurent is the top target at the Welsh captial, with the Bludebirds already active in the window having bought in goalkeeper Jak Alnwick and Forest Green Rovers' Ebou Adams ahead of pre-season.

After that epic 4-4 draw Josh Laurent told me he’s got a big decision to make this summer - he said he’s enjoying his football now more than any stage of his career previously and he’s more likely to stay if Paul Ince signs a deal to stay as manager for next season.

— Tim Dellor (@TimDellor) April 18, 2022

Despite the well-known financial problems at the club, the midfielder did tell BBC Radio Berkshire commentator Tim Dellor that he is more likely to stay at RG2 if Paul Ince does.

Now it has been confirmed that manager Ince is staying put, potentially talks could be under way to extend Laurent's spell in Berkshire beyond this summer.

In total the former Wigan Athletic and Hartlepool United box-to-box star has played 87 times for Reading.