Welsh clubs to receive cash boost

Cardiff and Swansea could net up to seven figures if Reading win promotion

Cardiff and Swansea could receive a £1m boost if Reading match Birmingham's swift return to the Premier League.

Birmingham's success means their top flight parachute payment will be shared by Football League clubs, with Championship sides benefitting most.

The total payment is around £11.2m and Championship teams will each receive between £350,000 and £500,000.

But if Reading also win promotion back to the Premier League, the Championship clubs will earn double that.

Such a windfall, which comes from the Premier League, could mean a major transfer boost for teams like Cardiff and Swansea, who are already planning for next season.

But Reading need to overturn a one-nil deficit in their play-off semi final second leg on Tuesday, with the winners playing in the final at Wembley on May 22.