Published: Thursday, 5th June, 2008 09:00
Royals deny Kightly rumours
By Anthony Smith
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On his way? James Harper (left) is one of several Reading players catching the eye of Premier League clubs.
READING will step up their search for new players next week but have denied any interest in Wolves’ Michael Kightly.
The Royals are being linked with the versatile 22-year-old forward and some reports suggest a bid has already been made.
But director of football Nick Hammond strongly denied those claims, although he admitted they are closing in on their main transfer targets amid rumours of a swoop for Swansea City’s Ferrie Bodde.
“Steve Coppell and I sat down on Wednesday for a good chat about the squad and where we go from here,” Hammond told The Chronicle.
“I felt very encouraged afterwards and Steve is very focused on the job we have ahead. We’re just looking forward to getting the squad back now and discussing who we would like to add to it.
“As director of football, it’s very much a joint effort between Steve and I when identifying players we would like to sign.
“We have talked at length about a few names and we will make some more inquiries.”
It is thought Bodde is seen an a perfect replacement for James Harper who is being linked with Middlesbrough and Stoke City in a £2 million move.
Bodde helped Swansea claim the League One title and has handed in a transfer request with Derby County also tracking the 26-year-old Dutch midfielder.
Swansea boss Roberto Martinez believes Bodde is good enough to win a place in Holland’s World Cup squad in 2010, but insists he is going nowhere.
“Ferrie has got two years on his contract and we are not a club who have to sell players because we have no debt,” declared the Spaniard.
“Ferrie has been fantastic for us and, when you look at the prices being paid in the Championship, he is worth a minimum of £2 million.”
The Royals, still reeling from the loss of £30 million in television revenue alone, face a battle to keep hold of their prize assets following relegation.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is said to be preparing a £10 miilion swoop for Stephen Hunt and Kevin Doyle.
Keane failed with a £5 million bid for Hunt in January but he is certain to come back for more and could offer Dean Whitehead as part of the package.
Hammond insisted: “There’s been nothing definite, although we’ve had plenty of telephone calls. There has been a lot of speculation about our players which we understand.
“We don’t comment but the important thing is that we will only do deals that are good for us. We won’t be pushed into a corner or have our hands held behind our backs. Financially, we don’t have to do that.”
“There’s a lot of chat around at the moment but I don’t think much business will be done anywhere until after the European Championships have ended in July.”
Meanwhile, wantaway defender Nicky Shorey is being hailed as a “perfect” signing for Newcastle United by former Magpie John Beresford.
Shorey has made no secret of his desire to move on this summer having rejected a lucrative new deal a year ago.
The 26-year-old still has one year to run on his contract and the Royals will accept bids or about £3 million, with West Ham and Portsmouth also chasing him.
Beresford sees Shorey as the ideal player to step in at left-back for Jose Enrique who failed to shine last season following his big-money move from Villarreal.
“There are some good left-backs out there and I think it would be a perfect opportunity for Nicky Shorey, and the perfect opportunity for Newcastle United,” said Beresford.
“If Newcastle signed someone like Shorey, or even Wayne Bridge from Chelsea, they’re not going to be an understudy to Jose Enrique.”
If Shorey leaves, the Royals may taks a gamble on Dagenham and Redbridge left-back, Scott Griffiths.
The League Two outfit insist they have received no offers for the highly-rated 22-year-old, although Reading and Ipswich are believed to be chasing the versatile player.
Royals and Sheffield United are also thought to be tracking Colchester United goalkeeper Dean Gerken.
The 23-year-old could be seen as a possible successor to Marcus Hahnemann who turns 36 next week and has one year to run on his contract.
However, Gerken would face stiff competition from Adam Federici who is set to star for Australia at this summer’s Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Emerse Fae could move to French club Nice, possibly on loan for the season, while Leroy Lita is being linked with his former club Bristol City as well as Stoke.
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