Sheffield United have admitted defeat in the battle for Reading midfielder John Swift.

United are set to end their interest in Swift after a number of Premier League clubs enter the race to sign him, says the Daily Star.

Leeds United are one of a few top-flight sides who want to sign the Reading star in the January transfer window.

Swift was reportedly subject of an approach from the Blades last season, but he decided to stay with the Berkshire side as they battled for promotion.

However, the source suggests that Slavisa Jokanovic's team are pulling out of the race to bring him to South Yorkshire, with Leeds, Wolves and Newcastle United tracking his services.