Published: Thursday, 14th January, 2010 9:00am

Liverpool interest in Federici confirmed

by Anthony Smith

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ADAM Federici is believed to be mulling over a shock move to Liverpool.

Rafa Benitez is ready to pay around £2 million for Reading's 24-year-old goalkeeper who would become understudy to Pepe Reina.

But it is thought Federici is reluctant to go back to being a number two having spent years warming the bench with the Royals when Marcus Hahnemann was between the sticks.

The Australian international is in his first full season at Madejski Stadium but already his performances are attracting interest from top-flight clubs.

He put in another assured display at Anfield on Wednesday night as Royals dumped Liverpool out of the FA Cup thanks to an historic 2-1 victory in the third round replay.

And his father, Tony, confirmed the five-time European Cup winners have made contact, although Reading insist no official bids have been made for any of their players.

He told the press: "I spoke to Adam and his agent has said he was aware that there had been some contact.

"There is some substance to it, but I don't know how keen Reading would be to let him go given he is their first-choice keeper.

"Adam has always wanted to play with one of the top four or five clubs. We'll all know more after Thursday.

"If I was advising him, in the big scheme of things, you'd have to be mad not to not to take it."

Royals are keen not to sell any of their players but they would find an attractive offer hard to refuse as they continue to balance the books.

It is understood Premier League clubs have also shown interest in young duo Simon Church, 21, and Jem Karacan, 20, who would command a seven-figure price tag.

And centre-back Alex Pearce, 21, has been linked with Championship rivals Sheffield United this week.

Federici, who is set to compete in this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa, has 18 months left to run on his contract.

But his dad, Tony, also suggested that it is playing first-team games which motivates his son rather than the prestige of playing for clubs of Liverpool's stature.

"To be part of such a big club would be a great opportunity, but he needs to play," he said.

"Adam's main priority is to play regularly; if he plays the rest of the year for Reading he will have a full season as a No 1 under his belt.

"Reina is only 27, but if in six months or a year there was a first-choice spot, it would be a great move.

"It is an attractive move, but he would be going there as the back-up."

While Royals do not want to sell, they could be vulnerable to a tempting bid as they face losing £11 million in parachute payments next season.

Director of football Nick Hammond told the Chronicle: "We have a big squad and the pressure remains in terms of balancing the books.

"The key is keeping the players who are integral to us moving forward. If we trade it will be on our terms."

Hammond, though, insists the club is yet to receive an official bid for Federici or anyone else.

"I think Adam has done exceptionally well since the difficult transition from number two to number one," argued Hammond.

"But we've had no contact from anyone regarding him."

However, he would not rule out interest in centre-back Pearce.

"I saw that story," he admitted. "We've worked very hard to develop our young players and we're finally seeing the rewards.

"Our young players have been one of the highlights of the season and they will only get better.

"I really don't want to lose them. They are part of our plans. But it's a free market of course and we have to be aware of things coming our way."

Meanwhile, Hammond suggests there could be more loan signings to follow after the capture of full-back Andy Griffin and striker Gunnar Thorvaldsson this week.

"We're making enquiries and there are a couple of other bits I would like to tie up," he revealed. "But as always I won't speak about it until a deal is done.

"What I can say is they would be loan based."

It is understood ex-Reading and current Fulham winger Seol Ki-Hyeon is not a target.

DAVE Mooney has extended his loan at Charlton Athletic for another 28 days and is likely to remain with Phil Parkinson's League One side for the rest of the season.

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