Reading FC planning Arsenal raid

Anthony Smith • Published 18 Aug 2011 09:30 0 Comments

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ROYALS boss Brian McDermott could be poised to raid his old club Arsenal in a bid to replace Shane Long.

The Chronicle understands McDermott plus Reading director of football Nick Hammond - another ex-Gunner - watched Arsenal's reserves take on Manchester United's second-string on Monday night.

It is believed the player they were tracking was Gunners' versatile forward Sanchez Watt who scored in Arsenal's 2-1 victory.

Watt, 20, spent last season on loan at Leeds United and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will allow the youngster to leave in a similar arrangement this season.

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, Hammond said: "We're watching a lot of games at the moment and we saw Arsenal reserves on Monday.

"We're looking to strengthen the squad. The opportunity is there to do that if we can find a player at the right price.

"We have to box a bit clever and get value for money. I wouldn't say we're close to agreeing anything at the moment."

Reading have raked in more than £10 million this summer in transfer fees from the sale of striker Long and defender Matt Mills. Now Royals fans want to see that money used to strengthen the squad.

McDermott is also looking to strengthen the centre-back position, with Arsenal's Gavin Hoyte, 21, another possible target. Hoyte is the younger brother of Middlesbrough's Justin and can play in central defence or right-back.

Hammond, who dismissed interest in free agent Anthony Gardner, explained: "We're looking at positions all over the pitch. I think we're strong in midfield, but we're looking at our defence and supporting the players we already have and, of course, we're looking at the top of the pitch because we've lost Shane.

"But we do have Noel Hunt, Mathieu Manset, Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu who we feel can be a goal threat this season."

But he also stressed: "You have to consider what it's going to cost to bring in a player who can improve that. You always pay a premium for strikers, and you have to be careful.

"We do have money to spend, but if we did something like that it might prevent us doing what we need to do with the existing squad, it's always a tough balancing act.

"We've done a couple of deals this summer but not for as much money as people think. Shane Long wasn't at the kind of levels people have been quoting.

"Admittedly, there is money available. If we can spend it in the right way we will, but it's a very tight ship here. We have a decent wage bill and it's important that we try and keep our own players too."

Meanwhile, winger Jimmy Kebe is believed to be close to agreeing a new deal with the Royals.

As the Chronicle revealed weeks ago, Reading were hoping to tie down the Mali winger on a long-term contract. The 27-year-old's current deal is due to expire next summer.

Hammond stated: "We spoke to his people on Monday and we're trying to find a solution. He's happy here and he wants to stay so hopefully we can get that finalised soon."

But Reading will not be re-signing former defender Ibrahima Sonko after the 30-year-old rejected the offer of a 12 month deal at Madejski Stadium.

It is believed the Senegal star turned down the offer of a 12 month contract, to seek a longer deal elsewhere.

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