Extensive Transfer Speculation

With the squad’s injuries and suspensions already kicking into full flow Reading are being linked with new players left, right and centre as Steve Coppell looks to add some much needed depth to his squad.

First up is former Aston Villa defender Ulises de la Cruz who has been given a week long trial.

The Ecuador international is available on a free transfer after his contract at Villa Park expired over the summer.

He is now training with The Royals in the hope he could earn himself a move to The Madejski Stadium.

De la Cruz has four years’ Premiership experience under his belt and would look to be a good addition to the squad considering his experience and cost.

Next up is Manchester City and former England defender Danny Mills who has been linked to the Royals by both Sky Sports and The Sun after admitting he is keen on a move to secure first team football.

Mill’s agent Neil Featherby told Sky Sports news ‘All Danny wants to do is play first team football and ideally that would be at Manchester City. We have had no talks with Reading and have not heard from them.’

A loan deal could be more likely here as Mills would provide both good cover and experience to the squad on a short term basis.

Millwall manager Nigel Spackman has gone public in an attempt to silence rumours linking Marvin Elliott with a move to Reading once and for all.

‘There’s no truth in that – Marvin’s here, he plays well, he trains well and hopefully he’ll get better here. And I don’t think he’s ready to be a Premiership player yet,’ Spackman told BBC Sport.

Elliott’s agent, Tony Finnigan added ‘I had a conversation with (Reading manager) Steve Coppell, and although he admitted liking him he told me he would not be making a bid.’

Luckless Royals have also been shunned in an attempt for highly rated Leeds youngster Matthew Kilgallon.

The ever modest Ken Bates heralded him ‘a natural successor to John Terry.’ While also confirming to Yorkshire Radio ‘We actually turned down an offer for more than £1m from Reading for him so he’s going nowhere,’.

The only good news of note, then, is that newly defeated Boro manager Gareth Southgate has received similar treatment as he tried to prise star midfielder Steve Sidwell away from Reading reports The Sun. Reading reiterated their stance that the highly rated Englishman will be staying put until the end of the season at least.