Published: Friday, 11th December, 2009 7:00am

Rodgers fails with Wilshere swoop

by Anthony Smith

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BRENDAN Rodgers has made a swoop for Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere.

But the Gunners ace wants a move to the Premier League after boss Arsene Wenger hinted the youngster could be loaned out in January.

Wilshere, who turns 18 on New Year's Day, is one of the brightest prospects at the Emirates Stadium and can play as an attacking midfielder or up front. But it looks as though the Stevenage-born star will not coming to Berkshire.

However, Rodgers hopes to utilise the loan market in the next transfer window, having already brought in Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea and Darren O'Dea from Celtic, as well as several more during his short reign at Watford.

Rodgers revealed: "Jack would be a terrific possibility and I've already made the enquiry on that one.

"But Jack will go to the Premier League. The reality is he's a Premier League player, he even said that himself.

"But we're in a great position for young players to come here. You only need to look at Watford and see young Henri Lansbury (also Arsenal) and Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) and the qualities they bring.

"If they are top talents there's a big chance they will come to Reading because if they're good enough they will get an opportunity here.

"We will always be in the running to bring in talent like Jack when they become available."

Rodgers is believed to have made his enquiry about Wilshere before the deadline for loans expired a couple of weeks ago.

This week the youngster admitted a loan move interests him.

"I would think about it but I think it would have to be in the Premier League," he said. "Not that the Championship is a bad league at all, but it might suit me differently.

"I have seen things about Middlesbrough, Celtic and Rangers being interested and there may be others, but a Premier League side would be better."

Meanwhile, Royals are close to completing the signing of Iceland striker Gunnar Thorvaldsson.

The 27-year-old impressed on trial recently and will join on loan in January from Danish Superliga side Esbjerg FB, with a view to a permanent signing next summer.

It is believed Rodgers also has his eye on Doncaster's highly-rated playmaker Brian Stock.

And Rodgers believes Thorvaldsson will be an excellent addition to his squad.

"That's near enough complete and he will be a good signing," declared Rodgers.

"He did very well in the 10 days he was here and he scored goals (for the reserves). And from the reports from people who have worked with him say he's highly recommended.

"He's a link striker with good experience. He plays with good intensity and he's technically strong.

"This is his chance in English football so he has a good motivation to do well."

"He'll be a good addition because if we want to progress we need more attacking options higher up the field.

"It would be a loan with a possibility to buy. And we will look at one or two other things for January as well."