Harper going nowhere

Anthony Smith • Published 10 Aug 2009 13:20 0 Comments

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JAMES Harper's surprise move to Wolves is almost certainly off.

The Chronicle exclusively broke the news of Harper's proposed transfer to the Premier League outfit who have already signed ex-Reading stars Kevin Doyle and Marcus Hahnemann this summer.

It is understood a fee of around £1.5 million was agreed between the clubs and Harper held talks with Wolves boss Mick McCarthy in the Midlands last week.

However, it appears the deal broke down and Harper was on the bench for Reading on Saturday in their 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the Championship season.

It now looks as though the 28-year-old midfielder - currently Reading's longest-serving player - is set to remain at the Madejski Stadium for the foreseeable future.

And McCarthy confirmed: "We had an interest in him but it's not going any further. It's not going to happen."

Reading still face a fight to keep hold of winger Stephen Hunt amid rumours the Republic of Ireland international could leave the club before the end of this week.

The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a string of top-flight sides, though Portsmouth and Everton look to be leading the chase. Royals also want to sign Watford's Tommy Smith but must improve on an £800,000 offer that was flatly rejected by the Hornets.

Meanwhile, Royals boss Brendan Rodgers has been left with a skeleton squad for Tuesday night's Carling Cup first round tie against Burton Albion at the Madejski Stadium (8pm ko).

Nine players will be on international duty including Simon Church (Wales), Shane Long and Stephen Hunt (both Republic of Ireland), Marek Matejovsky (Czech Republic), Brynjar Gunnarsson (Iceland), Hal Robson-Kanu (England Under-20s), plus Jimmy Kebe and Kalifa Cisse (both Mali).

Andre Bikey is also away with Cameroon but would have served the third game of his five-match ban anyway.

It means £2 millions Doncaster Rovers signing Matthew Mills could make his debut while Noel Hunt, who missed the Forest clash through injury, could play.

And goalkeeper Ben Hamer, who helped Brentford win promotion last season, could also be handed his debut.

NOTTINGHAM Forest boss Billy Davies has appealed against the red card Luke Chambers received at Reading on Saturday.

Chambers was shown a straight red for violent conduct following an incident involving Royals striker Shane Long.

Davies will now contest the automatic three-match ban which could see Chambers face Bradford in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night.

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