CHRIS Baird and Billy Sharp will not be returning to Reading FC in the near future.

Versatile Northern Ireland international Baird, 31, was a free agent when he snubbed a move to QPR to join Royals on a short-term deal in September.

But his contract has now expired and Reading are reluctant to renew it as Baird is several weeks away from fitness due to a knee injury.

The Chronicle understands Royals boss Nigel Adkins is also unsure how much funds are available while the takeover process drags on, though a potential 20% sell-on clause from former striker Shane Long's £7 million move from West Bromwich Albion to Hull City this week will help matters.

However, the uncertainty over the club’s ownership will also prevent Adkins from renewing Billy Sharp’s loan deal from his former club Southampton.

Sharp joined in September and scored two goals in 10 appearances during his three-month loan.

But hopes of signing Sharp, 27, on a permanent basis look to be over for the time being at least.

Adkins will now turn his attention to his secondary transfer targets after also seeing Hull City defender Jack Hobbs reject a move to the Royals to join Nottingham Forest after both clubs had agreed a similar fee.

Meanwhile, sources at Reading confirmed that no bids have been made for any Reading players in the current January transfer window.

One club enquired about taking a player - believed to be unsettled striker Adam Le Fondre - on loan.

However, it was dismissed out of hand and Reading insist Le Fondre will not be leaving the club this month.

Royals chief executive Nigel Howe said recently: “For some months now we have been in discussions with a number of parties who are interested in acquiring 100% of the club.

“We hope to be in a position to invest in the squad during this January transfer window, provided we secure funding by the latter part of the month.”

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