Reading FC look set to lose one of their key players to League One promotion hopefuls Wrexham AFC.
The Royals have so far managed to hold onto all of their players throughout the January transfer window, but it appears that Sam Smith will join Wrexham before Monday’s deadline on February 3.
It is understood that Reading will receive around £2million for the transfer which is expected to be completed before the close of the window.
Smith came through Reading’s academy before leaving to join Cambridge United in 2021.
He developed into a consistent goalscorer and netted 28 League One goals across two seasons for Cambridge before making a return to the Royals on a free transfer in 2023.
The 26-year-old has become a pivotal figure in Reading’s attack and scored 15 times in 34 League One games last season as the Royals fought against relegation.
This season, Smith has scored eight goals in 19 league games with the Royals sitting in 10th place in the table.
However, he now looks poised to join Wrexham, who are managed by Reading legend Phil Parkinson.
The Welsh side are looking to win promotion to the Championship having already gained promotion in their last two seasons since owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny took over the club.
Wrexham are in a fight for promotion and currently sit in 3rd place on 52 points from 28 games, six points behind 2nd place Wycombe Wanderers and eight behind league leaders Birmingham City.
