Northampton Town move leaves Reading with unwanted transfer window tag

Reading are now the only team in League One yet to make a transfer after Northampton Town picked up former Manchester United striker James Wilson.

The Cobblers, entering their third campaign back in the third tier, were the only other club in League One that had failed to sign a new player until yesterday.

However, the 28-year-old forward has moved to Sixfields from Port Vale on a one-year deal.

The Royals are now one of only two teams across League One and League Two yet to make a deal, the other being another club in crisis: Morecambe.

Until any progress is made in the protracted takeover of the club, the club are unable to complete any deals this summer.

In a similar position last season too, it took until July 13 for deals to start being made.

Harvey Knibbs, Sam Smith, Lewis Wing and Charlie Savage all arrived in July 2023. Taking a while to gel, the side became one of the form teams in the second half of the campaign to finish nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Under embargo until at least January, the club can only deal with free agents or loan moves for a fourth season in a row.