Reading Paper Talk – 12/03/07

Sigh, it`s been a while hasn`t it? What with the transfer window being closed there hasn`t been as much about but count your lucky stars because its back and bigger then ever:

Its time for all the gossip, news and stories from the printed press and a little more for good measure!! Its Reading`s Paper Talk?

The People claim that Leroy Lita is a surprise target of Sir Alex.

The Sunday paper suggests that Man Utd scouts have been watching Lita recently as the Red Devils looks to bolster his squad in the summer with a couple new strikers.

It is The People that also reckons Reading will hope to sign Pompey midfielder Gary O`Neil.

O`Neil is allegedly unsettled at Fratton Park and is also held in high esteem by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Apparently, O`Neil is being eyed up as a replacement for contract rebel Steve Sidwell.

And the Reading Evening Post is in agreement that Sidwell is on his way out, especially with the likes of Everton and Aston Villa tracking the midfielder.

The two aren`t the only clubs interested in the flame haired play maker but with Scotland ruled out by Sidwell they seem the biggest clubs ahead of Man City and Boro, although Chelsea`s head has apparently been turned by Sidders.

But fear not those who do not wish to see Sidwell leave because there is hope?

It emerged in the very same article that linked Sidders to the Toffees and Villa that the 24 year-old could have his arm twisted into staying with the Royals by European qualification.

This is a feat quite achievable for the Royals, Sidwell insisted, “If we qualified for Europe then that would really make me sit up and take notice.”

Meanwhile in a world of things not so Sidwell, Reading will be contended for the signature of Luton defender, Leon Barnett, by Wigan in the summer.

The 21 year-old was a Reading target from the January window but if the Royals continue their interest into the summer they wioll have to compete with Paul Jewell for the players affections.

AND FINALLY? Ian Wright will become a coach at Reading , shadowing the Royals boss Steve Coppell on a ‘work experience` basis.

The Arsenal legend will stay with the Royals until the end of the season. The prospect of Wrighty with Royals has excited Leroy Lita who sees the star as a rolemodel:

‘It would be great if he did come down to the training ground,’ the England U/21 player told the Reading Evening Post.

‘I heard he came down to our game last Tuesday and said he wanted to come down and see the boys train and see what Reading were like.

‘He came to the dressing room after the game but I missed him. He spoke to the gaffer and Glen Little, who played with him at Burnley.”