Roberts undergoes medical at Reading

Published 26 Jan 2012 12:30 0 Comments

Blackburn Rovers striker close to Royals move

READING are closing in on several transfer targets amid rumours that Jason Roberts is undergoing a medical at Madejski Stadium.

The striker, who turned 34 yesterday, has been frozen out at Blackburn Rovers following a contract dispute.

The last of his 12 appearances for Rovers this season came in a defeat to West Brom on December 17.

It now appears that Rovers boss and former Royals coach Steve Kean is willing to cut his losses and sell Roberts, with the Madejski Stadium his likely destination.

It is believed Roberts is set to discus personal terms with Royals this afternoon following the conclusion of his medical.

Reading also hope to sign Brentford centre-back Karleigh Osborne. The 23-year-old has turned down a new contract at Griffin Park and Reading look favourites to sign the defender.

The Chronicle also understands that Huddersfield Town's sought-after striker Jordan Rhodes is high on Brian McDermott's wish list.

The 21-year-old hot-shot has been in sizzling form this season with 26 goals in all competitions plus six for Scotland Under 21s.

But it seems Royals have a major fight on their hands in their bid to lure Oldham-born Rhodes away from the Galpharm Stadium.

Reading are looking for cover in defence as Sean Morrison has returned to Huddersfield on loan - possibly as a makeweight for Rhodes - and Bongani Khumalo is poised to return to Spurs following an unsuccessful loan.

Reading stepped up their interest in Roberts in the past week, with transfer funds now available thanks Thames Sports Investment's buyout of the Royals.

Russian tycoon Anton Zingarevich agreed to back McDermott in this January's transfer window as part of the takeover which would see him acquire 51% of the club for £25 million.

Doncaster Rovers hitman Billy Sharp is another possible target, as is Derby County's out-of-favour striker Tomasz Cywka

Cywka, 23, was expected to sign for Slask Wroclaw on a free transfer this week, but then revealed: "Reading submitted an offer for me.

"I asked the (Slask) president for some time to think and I made few phone calls. Finally, I decided that I want to play for Reading."

Royals boss McDermott has been plagued with calls from agents in the wake of the TSI takeover.

However, he stressed: "I've got some licence to do something in January which I've never had before, but it won't be fantasy football.

"If I see something that makes a difference I'll do it, no doubt about it."

SEE TODAY'S CHRONICLE FOR MORE TRANSFER NEWS PLUS THE VERY LATEST ON THE TSI TAKEOVER.

Tweet

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 26 Jan 12

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Screen Name *required

Email (not displayed) *required

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle