‘A few options’ – Reporter shares update on Derby County and Stoke City target after West Brom exit

Derby County and Stoke City-linked John Swift has a ‘few options’ after his exit from West Brom, according to reporter Graeme Bailey.

Derby County are said to be keen on the free agent this summer along with Stoke City, as per BirminghamWorld. DCFC are preparing for another year in the Championship.

Swift, 30, cut ties with West Brom at the end of last season after they decided not to extend his contract. Portsmouth have also been mentioned as a potential suitor along with unnamed teams in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and America, The News have claimed.

Journalist Bailey has shared this update, via EFL Analysis: “Obviously he’s been linked to Derby. But a move back to Reading has been mentioned too. That’s unlikely, I would think, but stranger things have happened.

“Reading are pretty well stocked in midfield with Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing, but I wouldn’t rule it out. He’s got a lot of options, John Swift. He might have to drop to League One, too. Not necessarily for first-team football, but for the right move, in terms of the contract he could get.

“A League One club might be more willing to give him a two year deal. It’s interesting; there are a few options there for him. Derby are one, but there are others.”

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Update regarding Derby County and Stoke City target John Swift

Derby County could see Swift as someone to add more quality to their squad. DCFC have landed the likes of Carlton Morris, Andi Weimann and Danny Batth recently.

West Brom signed Swift back in 2022 to boost their ranks. He has spent the last three campaigns with the Baggies.

The Portsmouth-born man made 125 appearances in all competitions and scored 19 goals. Prior to his move to The Hawthorns, he played 202 games for Reading and found the net on 33 occasions.

Swift rose up through the academy ranks at Chelsea and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. He played once for the first-team at Stamford Bridge and also had loan spells away from the Premier League giants at Rotherham United, Swindon Town and Brentford to get some experience under his belt.

What now for John Swift after West Brom exit?

Derby County have been linked with Swift along with Stoke City. However, as Bailey has alluded to, DCFC may have competition from elsewhere.

West Brom’s decision to let him depart has created room for other reinforcements. The Baggies have turned to Ryan Mason as their new head coach recently and he will be keen to put his own stamp on his newly inherited squad over the next couple of months.

It remains to be seen at this stage where Swift will end up next. He will be weighing up his options and has a big decision to make.