Reading FC Transfer Rumours - July 6, 2011
The transfer window has still yet to heat up for the Royals but that hasn't stopped some rumours and murmours for circulating online. Below we'll review the rumours from the past week or so.
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Outbound?
Matt Mills has been the name on the lips of Royals fans this week after constant speculation over his future. Last week the Daily Mail reported that Leicester has a bid of £4 million accepted coming the same time as the Reading Chronicle had quotes from Brian saying we'd turned down a bid from Wolves. The rumours have died off since the turn of the week with the club seemingly waiting for the next move from potential suitors. Meanwhile Mills has been fairly quiet on his Twitter not being drawn into commenting on his future.
The other prized asset and the one Royals fans seem most resigned to losing this summer is Shane Long but this week may have provided a boost to Royals fans hoping to see him stay at the Madejski as the club has apparently placed a £10 million value on his head, though it's still believed a figure closer to £7m will see bids accepted. Despite the 8 figure price tag a host of clubs seem be interested, including West Brom, Newcastle, Everton and Sunderland.
Inbound?
While one Irishman may be leaving the club, Brian McDermott is reportedly looking to bring in former Northern Ireland U21 international James McClean from Derry City. The winger has scored 18 in 73 games and is also being chased by Blackpool. We'll reportedly have scouts at Derry's game on Friday to run the rule over him.
Should Long go we're also rumoured to be keeping tabs on Burnley forward Martin Paterson. Royals fans may remember Paterson for this goal that all but ended Steve Coppell's reign at the club. The forward has struggled with injury since that goal but has shown flashes of the form that helped Burnley win promotion. Portsmouth have reportedly had a 1£.5m bid turned down so you'd assume we'd have to sell before buying in this regard.
Staying Put
One great piece of news was the confirmation that Welsh winger Hal Robson-Kanu had signed a new three-year deal with the club. Hal had been linked with other Championship sides such as Portsmouth but the winger expressed his desire to be part of 'something special' at the club with Brian in charge. With speculation over Jimmy Kebe's future this is welcome news indeed.