Published: Thursday, 28th August, 2008 09:00
Royals draw up action plan
By Anthony Smith
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Villa bound? Martin O'Neill is considering an improved bid for still tracking Reading striker Kevin Doyle.
READING have drawn up a list of potential targets in case they lose their own players to Premier League clubs before the transfer window closes on September 1.
The Royals do not expect to receive any fresh bids between now and Monday’s midnight deadline despite rumours that Aston Villa are prepared to meet their £7 million asking price for Kevin Doyle.
It is understood Martin O’Neill has already failed with one offer of around £5 million, but he could come back with more.
Therefore, Reading have identified a number of suitable replacements, although they insist they will fight to keep hold of Doyle.
Director of football, Nick Hammond, told The Chronicle: “The recent performances of a number of players has given the manager food for thought in terms of team selection.
“We’ve also added Dave Mooney and Chris Armstrong in the past week and Steve Coppell is happy with the balance of the squad.
“But we are still aware that there are a few days to go before the deadline closes and we are still vulnerable to bigger clubs.
“We have to be in a position to react in case any body goes. We must have enough time to acquire replacements ourselves.”
Middlesbrough were also tracking James Harper but have not come back with an improved offer after failing with £3 million.
Sunderland also went as far as offering £5 million for Stephen Hunt in January but Roy Keane now appears to have cooled his interest.
“We haven’t had any official or firm bids for a player in the last couple of weeks,” insisted Hammond. “I’m hoping that continues for the next few days until the window closes.
“If we do receive any more offers we will judge them on merit, but they must be in the best interests of our club.”
And Coppell barked: “Hopefully we can get the transfer window shut on Monday and get a bit of focus on the football rather than the speculation.
“I wouldn’t no for sure, it depends if we lose any. I don’t think we will at this stage but you never know.
“At the moment this is the last minute rush for agents so there’s an awful lot of phone calls and texts from agents because they see it as a last chance to make a few bob before the window closes but from club to club there’s been no contact at all.
“You’re always looking to improve, if you’re standing still you’re losing ground and we’re very much aware of that."
The Royals completed their third summer signing on Tuesday with the capture of Sheffield United’s Chris Armstrong on a three-year deal for £500,000, rising to £800,000 on appearances.
The 26-year-old left-back, who could face Crystal Palace on Saturday, is seen as Nicky Shorey’s long-term replacement and he arrives after £200,000 Cork City striker Dave Mooney and £600,000 Dundee United forward Noel Hunt.
“Chris is a great signing,” added Hammond. “He’s played Championship level and above and we know he can do an excellent job for us.
“It should also give Stephen Hunt the opportunity to push on and have a bigger impact going forward.”
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