Danny Drinkwater has been linked with a return to Reading FC after reportedly training with the squad throughout pre-season.
The midfielder, who spent last season on loan with the Royals, is available on a free transfer after being released by Chelsea at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has reportedly been training with the club throughout pre-season and is still in contact with the management team ahead of a potential return.
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However, any potential deal may be complicated by Reading’s transfer embargo which means that any new signings must be ratified by the English Football League.
Drinkwater made 32 league appearances in the 2021/22 season for Reading and although he made a slow start during his time in Berkshire, his impressive performances at the back end of the campaign helped Paul Ince’s team avoid relegation.
The former Premier League winner netted his only goal of the season which helped the Royals to earn three points on the road in a 3-2 win at Swansea City.
Having come through the ranks at Manchester United, Drinkwater had loan spells at Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Watford and Barnsley before he secured a permanent home with Leicester City.
Drinkwater thrived at Leicester and played three seasons in the Championship where he helped them win promotion in the 2013/14 season in which he scored seven times in 45 matches.
Having contributed to the Foxes great escape in 2014/15 under Nigel Pearson, Drinkwater was a pivotal figure in the heart of midfield alongside N’Golo Kante as Leicester enjoyed a fairytale season which saw them win the Premier League title against all the odds in 2015/16.
In the following year, the central midfielder played 10 times in the Champions League, but Leicester’s league form dipped which saw Claudio Ranieri sacked halfway through the season.
Having made three international appearances for England in 2016, Drinkwater made a big money move to Chelsea for £35million.
It turned out to be a disastrous move for both parties as Drinkwater made just 12 league appearances in his five year stint in West London which saw him loaned out to Burnley, Aston Villa and Kasimpasu before he joined the Royals for a year in 2021.
Drinkwater spoke openly about his struggles at Chelsea after departing the club earlier this summer and is now seeking a new challenge for his next chapter in football.
