Zurab returns, Harte to follow?

Anthony Smith • Published 31 Aug 2010 15:00 0 Comments

READING have bolstered their defence by re-signing Zurab Khizanishvili on a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers - with Carlisle United’s Ian Harte possibly set to following him to the Madejski Stadium.

Royals boss Brian McDermott will use some of the cash from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s club-record £7 million move to Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim to finance the deals.

The 28-year-old Georgia captain Khizanishvili, 28, played 15 games for Royals on loan last season and he is struggling to get first-team football under Rovers boss Sam Allardyce.

McDermott said: “We’re really pleased to have him back, he was a real favourite with our fans, we know exactly what we’re getting and it’s a really positive addition to our squad.”

And director of football Nick Hammond added: “I’m very pleased to have got the deal done, he did very well for Brian last season and I’ve been in conversation with Blackburn all summer.

“As soon as we were in position to do the deal we were delighted to complete it very quickly.”

Harte, who turns 33 today, could also be on his way to Berkshire.

The 64-capped ex-Republic of Ireland star has been offered a new deal by League One Carlisle but is yet to sign it.

Goalscoring defender Harte, can play at full-back or centre-back, and is just what Royals need after an unlucky spell with injuries.

They finished up with winger Jobi McAnuff and forgotten-man Shaun Cummings playing in the full-back positions at Leicester City at the weekend, but still came through to win 2-1.

Reports suggests a fee has been agreed with Carlisle and that Harte is currently holding talks with the Royals.

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