Reading FC Linked To Chelsea Youngster Feruz

Oh, the joys of summer. The transfer window isn’t even open yet, but the rumour mill is in full working order and has started to churn out random names and clubs already.

Fresh out of the mill today, Chelsea youngster Islam Feruz. HITC report Rotherham, Cardiff, MK Dons, Reading and a number of Portuguese clubs are chasing the 20-year-old striker.

The former Scotland U21 international has had time on loan at Greek club OFI Kreta, plummeting Blackpool, and Hibernian in the past couple of years but has failed to make much of an impact at any club. He also spent a day on trial at Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Aktobe.

But someone somewhere sees something in him, as he has a contract with Chelsea until 2018.

Lost

Islam Feruz has a number of black marks to his name already, and it doesn't look likely to stop. The one-time wonderkid has had a brush with the law and a warrant was issued for his arrest two days ago.

The Scottish Sun wrote in a column that “Feruz didn’t come close to breaking into a first team in this country’s second tier and it is a familiar story.”

He's clearly talented, but has a mentality problem. The column mentioned previous ends: “Feruz is only 20, with plenty of time to pull himself back from the brink and make the most of an explosive, raw natural ability.

“Only he can tap into that and only if he starts to take responsibility, instead of blaming others – fuelled by those around him – for his downward spiral.”

Is Reading the club that can turn him around?

The short answer? No.

Firstly, because this story came from HITC. No offense, guys, but you're not the most reputable of sources.

Secondly, he'd probably demand a fair wad of cash that the club simply doesn't have (or we don't think it has).

And finally, it just doesn't make much sense when the club already has some bright young attacking talents coming through the ranks who don't have a mentality problem.

I could be wrong. But I doubt I am. Don’t get your hopes up.