Chris Gunter To Follow Nick Blackman To Derby For £1.2m?

Derby Telegraph report that Reading and Wales right back Chris Gunter could be on the move to Nigel Pearson's promotion-chasing Rams.

The Derby-based news outlet report:

Derby County have been linked with a £1.2m move for Reading and Wales defender Chris Gunter.

The Rams are looking to bring in the former Nottingham Forest right-back, according to The Sun.

Gunter is also reported to be a target for Premier League new boys Hull City, who were recently said to have triggered a £1.1m release clause in the player's contract.

Reasonable rumour, but The Sun

This isn't an illogical rumour. Chris Gunter wants to get back to the Premier League, he has a low release fee, and he impressed for Wales at Euro 2016, so it's only natural clubs would be interested.

In Derby County, Gunter would find himself at a club with realistic promotion ambitions. It would be a move in a similar mould to that of Oliver Norwood's to Brighton. He'd also follow former Royal Nick Blackman in departing the Madejski Stadium to play at the iPro, though he'd hope to have more of an impact.

Of course, the story comes from The Sun. And The Sun are not a reputable source when it comes to transfer rumours. Nor can I find a record of the story on their website, which means it's likely to be a single-sentence rumour somewhere on the paper edition.

Chris Gunter has played the entirety of both of Reading's two opening fixtures of the 2016-17 season, starting at right back against Preston and then filling in at left back since Obita's injury.

In his place on the right has been the impressive academy product Tennai Watson, who looks set to feature plenty of times this season and could be a ready-made, albeit inexperienced, replacement should the move go through.

Whatever happens, we'll keep you in the loop.