Italians join the race for Cardiff target Max

BOLOGNA have joined the race to sign Motherwell’s Max Johnstone, a player Cardiff City have had their eye on.

Cardiff scout Alex Stafford was in attendance at Motherwell’s Scottish Premiership clash with Hearts last week to cast his eye over the right-back, who can also play in midfield.

It’s claimed City are among a number of clubs to have shown an interest recently, with Championship rivals Sheffield United, Luton Town and Preston all believed to be tracking the Scotland youth international along with Premier League side Brighton.

The 19-year-old product is heading into the final four months of his deal in North Lanarkshire, and has emerged as a key player for Motherwell since returning from his loan at Cove Rangers.

And it appears if City are serious about him, then they could have to fight off a pitch from Bologna, according to the Daily Record, as well as many of their rivals in this country this summer.

READING could yet be dragged into the relegation battle with Cardiff City with reports claiming they could be deducted six points before the end of the season.

The Royals are currently sitting comfortably in 14th place in the Championship, a healthy 13 points clear of the relegation zone.

However, the Daily Mail claim they could have points taken away amid concerns they have failed to comply with an EFL business plan.

The Berkshire club had a sixpoint deduction for breaching financial rules last season, however, they had a six-point deduction suspended until the end of this season.

And that, it is claimed, is on the verge of being triggered with the club reportedly having failed to cut their spending in accordance with the agreed plan.

It is, however, yet to be seen whether the deduction is to be handed down this season, with the disciplinary process yet to begin.

Cardiff, though, who beat Reading in their last home game, would no doubt welcome another team being embroiled in the relegation battle.

If the deduction was sanctioned now, the Royals would be just three points above Cardiff, level with Birmingham City in 19th and right in the battle to avoid the drop down into League One.