Latest Transfer Gossip From Reading

We know Steve Coppell is staying and Nick Hammond has recently come out to say that the Royals are actively looking for new players, so lets take a look at the possible ins and outs over the summer.

Outs…

Nicky Shorey
Reading have openly said they will listen to offers for the full back. After seven years at the club, Shorey’s heart clearly isn’t in it anymore, and this was reflected in his shabby performances last season. The only problem might be lack of interest following his poor performances. Having said that, West Ham will buy anyone.
Probability: Definite.

Stephen Hunt
Like Shorey, his performances have been awful as of late and he pretty much stopped playing after signing a new contract after Christmas. Probably the most overrated player at the club, but for some reason Roy Keane likes him. He said he won’t discuss a move until he returns from his wedding and honeymoon after he (allegedly) married his sister and went on a caravan holiday. If this hasn’t put Roy Keane off, hopefully a move is still on the cards. £5 million for a left winger with no delivery, composure or shooting ability would go down nicely.
Probability: Very likely.

Leroy Lita
If you’d have asked me and Christmas if Lita would still be at Reading come the beginning of next season, I’d have set 100% no. I’m beginning to think differently though. He seems to have patched things up with Steve Coppell and his passion and appreciation for the fans after the Derby game seemed as though he wanted to stay. There have been no clubs linked with him, apart from a laughable £2 million bid from Bristol City. If he’s made up with Coppell I think he will stay, but you never know.
Probability Possible.

James Harper
Although he often comes under a lot of stick from certain fans, you can’t question his work rate and passion and he was one of our most consistent performances over the 2 seasons in the Premier League. He has attracted from Middlesbrough and apparently Newcastle, although I would be very surprised if the latter came in for him. I don’t expect him to leave, but if Middlesbrough offered something in the region of £4 million I think it would be good business from Reading’s point of view.
I think he will stay, but you never know.
Probability Unlikely.

Ins…

Ferrie Bodde
Swansea have already turned down a bid for the Dutch midfielder from Derby, but now we have joined the race. Although he has only played in League 1, he does sound like a good player and could add the strength we need in centre midfield. If Harper was to go he could form a great partnership with Marek Matejovsky.
Probability Likely.

Dean Whitehead
A player we tried to sign when we first got promoted, again would make a great addition to our midfield. Has fallen down the pecking order at Sunderland, and spent some of the season at right-back. It has been suggested that he may be part of a deal to take Stephen Hunt to Sunderland, which again I feel would be great business on Reading’s part.
Probability Possible.

Hameur Bouazza
I don’t know much about Bouazza, but have been told by various sources that he is a decent player, which begs the question why would Fulham want to offload him. A rumour has gone round that Roy Hodgson would be willing to sent him to Reading on a season-long loan.
Probability Possible.

It’s difficult to say at this stage who will be coming in, but I always get excited at this time of year. I would certainly be happy with any of the above three signings and if we were to get a bit of money for Shorey and Hunt I think we could be set up nicely for the new season.