Royals ready to pounce on Russian international

Reading are ready to steal a move for striker Pavel Pogrebnyak if Fulham fail to agree a deal.

The Russian international has spent the last five months with Fulham but is yet to agree a contract extension at Craven Cottage, meaning he is free to speak to other clubs. Pogrebnyak is currently with the Russian squad in the build up to Euro 2012, but has said he would like his future sorted before the tournament begins.

Speaking to Sport-Express, Pogrebnyak said: “After three or four months, I feel that I have found my place in England and I want to play in this league. I feel great desire and strength inside me and my age will not work against me. We couldn`t agree anything with Fulham so far, but I hope everything will be alright.

“If I don`t play for Fulham, I hope to find another team. It would be good to sort this out before the European Championship, because there is a risk there. Anything could happen, and if you get injured then no-one will want to sign you. If you play in England, that`s the best thing that can happen to you. You have to take this chance.”

Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are also interested in the former Stuttgart striker, with clubs in Europe likely to be tracking the 28-year old. Pogrebnyak has enjoyed a very successful tenure under Martin Jol with the Cottagers, scoring six goals in 12 games.