---
title: "West Ham May Be Able to Sign Reading’s Omar Richards in January"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2020/12/04/west-ham-target-omar-richards-could-be-sold-in-january/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2020-12-04T10:30:42Z"
modified: "2020-12-04T10:30:42Z"
---

# West Ham May Be Able to Sign Reading’s Omar Richards in January

West Ham have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of a promising young prospect – but they face competition from London Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

According to the [Reading Chronicle](https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/18914816.insider-column-january-plans-olise-attracting-european-interest-ffp-restrictions/), the Royals are keen to balance their books going forward in line with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, with a number of player sales being explored as Reading look to raise funds.

It is for that reason that young left-back Omar Richards is one such young prospect whocould be put up for sale in the New Year.

The English youth international is [out of contract](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/omar-richards/profil/spieler/424881) in the summer, though the [Reading Chronicle](https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/18914816.insider-column-january-plans-olise-attracting-european-interest-ffp-restrictions/) noted that he is in talks for a new deal. The deal is believed to be four years in length, with a significant wage hike should the Royals earn promotion to the Premier League.

However, whilst progress is ongoing, it is believed that the 20-year-old will be put up for sale in the winter window if no significant breakthrough can be made soon. As a result, the Irons and the Eagles could go head-to-head as they eye a bargain swoop for the Championship prospect.

From Reading’s perspective, the benefit of a January sale in terms of being able to reinvest into the squad is a noted advantage, although no formal price tag is named in the source for any potential suitors.

### Read West Ham Verdict

Richards is a prospect who is well worth a gamble. His age provides broad scope for improvement and he is already racking up regular minutes, having featured [16 times](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/omar-richards/leistungsdaten/spieler/424881) this season for the Royals. He is valued by [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/omar-richards/profil/spieler/424881)at just £1.35m.

Given his contract situation and market value, it is hard to see a fee inflating too much beyond his current value.