Published: Thursday, 2nd July, 2009 4:20pm

Royals to improve offer for Tommy Smith

by Anthony Smith

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WATFORD chairman Jimmy Russo is digging in his heels over Tommy Smith"s move to Reading.

As exclusively revealed in the Chronicle, Smith has turned down the chance to return to the Premier League with Wolves to re-join Royals boss Brendan Rodgers at the Madejski Stadium.

It is believed Reading tabled a bid of around £800,000 for the 29-year-old striker who has one year left on his contract with the Hornets.

However, Russo, who has already lost Rodgers to Reading this summer, seems intent on squeezing every penny out of the deal.

The Hornets chairman branded Reading"s valuation as 'derisory' and insisted he has 'no desire' to sell the club"s two-time Player of the Season winner.

He also told the Watford Observer:

'As far as I am concerned there is no deal whatsoever with Reading. I can 100 per cent guarantee that.

'They have made a derisory offer which I am not interested in.'

However, Royals have cash to spend following Kevin Doyle"s club record £6.5 million move to Wolves this week and sources say they are ready to make an improved offer over the weekend.

Rodgers would not comment on Smith"s situation, but he did say: 'Kevin Doyle scored 18 goals last season and we need to replace that.'

And Royals" director of football Nick Hammond confirmed contact had already been made with an unnamed club regarding a new signing.

'We have had conversations with other clubs already with a view to adding to the squad,' he said.

'The players are back in training next week and most other clubs are just coming back, so this is the time when things really begin to take shape.

'We will be looking to add to the squad, it might not be like-for-like exactly but there is a place to be filled with Kevin Doyle leaving.'

Meanwhile, Rodgers may launch an audacious attempt to lure Nottingham Forest star Nathan Tyson back to Reading.

Sources in the east Midlands suggest the 27-year-old, who can play up front or on the wing, could be set for a shock return to Berkshire.

Royals are in the market for wide players as Stephen Hunt is certain to leave in the next few weeks and Glen Little has already gone.

Woodley-born Tyson, who went to Forest School, rose through Reading"s youth team ranks when Rodgers was in charge of the Academy. But, with first-team opportunities limited, he went to Wycombe Wanderers for £100,000 in 2004, a transfer that angered many Royals fans desperate to see local players given a chance.

And after smashing 39 goals in 68 league games for the Chairboys, he joined Forest for £700,000 in 2005 and has netted 29 times in 133 games.

Tyson has two years left on his current deal and Forest will not let him go for less than £1 million.

READING"S away fixture against Newcastle United at St James" Park on Saturday, August 15 has been put back to a 5.20pm kick-off and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

Reading have also agreed to rearrange their home game against Cardiff City from Tuesday, September 15 to Wednesday, September 16 (8pm ko).

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