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Royals News Bites - July 24

Newsbites is back! Much like Jimmy Kebe the feature has only made sporadic appearances over the past year or so but now it's found a new home so we're here to take a quick look at what's been said about the Royals in the press since the return from the Portugal pre-seson tour.

Christopher Lee

Our links with Lambert strengthen - Reading Chronicle

The Reading Chronicle reports that Nigel Adkins is planning a raid on former club Southampton for their talisman Rickie Lambert. £8million is thought to be the price tag stamped on the striker who fell down the pecking order at Southampton towards the end of last season despite notching 93 goals in 173 Saints appearances. Adkins wants to "keep strengthening" his strike force but believes "We look strong in what we've got".

No move for Lambert yet - Get Reading

Whatever is simmering away amongst the surface, no official move Lambert has yet been made. A source close to Reading stated: "There have been no conversations" about the hitman, who only recently signed a new 3 year contract with Southampton. It seems the Saints will only consider an offer for Lambert, who scored 15 goals in his first Premier League season last year, if they can land a high-profile striker during the transfer window. This one looks set to drag on.

Alex McCarthy discusses his dream year and the goalkeeping situation at Reading - Get Reading

The tall shot-stopper's stunning performances at the end of Reading's disappointing season ensured he grabbed all the headlines, not to mention a call-up to the England squad. McCarthy admits he "couldn't have dreamt for a better end to the season" and reflects on his "unbelievable time" with the England squad. The article suggests he will start the new season as first choice keeper. McCarthy insists him and Adam Federici have "a really good relationship", "never fall out" and respect the manager's choice as to who starts.

A partnership with Juventus is in the pipeline - Get Reading

After a similar deal being concluded with Turkish giants Galatasaray last season this further feeds into to Reading's newly coined 'Build Evolve Succeed' motto. Director of Football, Nicky Hammond, has travelled to Turin to enter talks with Juventus and Anton Zingarevich has described "player development" as the aim of the partnership, should it be concluded. This could mean some of the most exciting young prospects at the Italian club coming to Reading, who would be one of a few select clubs working with Juventus. Fellow Championship club Watford made use of their own Italian connections last season by signing 14 loan players from Udinese and narrowly missed out on promotion. Such an excessive influx into Reading's squad would not result from the partnership with Juventus, but it will certainly provide a handy option for improving the squad.

Jobi McAnuff praises the high team spirit after pre-season in Portugal - Reading Official Website

Our skipper talks about the squad's pre-season training regime and togetherness, and emphasises how the trip to Portugal helped new recruits Royston Drenthe, Danny Williams, and Wayne Bridge to bond with the squad ahead of what he expects to be a "really tough" season.

Reading slump to pre-season defeat against Bristol City - Reading Official Website

A late goal from Bristol City forward Albert Adomah snatched a win for Bristol City at Ashton gate on Wednesday evening. Royston Drenthe was again impressive and created a number of chances in the first half. However, we squandered numerous goal-scoring opportunities in the throughout the game leaving City to, perhaps fortunately, run out winners.

Celebrating the Royal Baby - Reading Official Website

From one Royal family to another, Kingsley and Queensley star in a short video to pay tribute to Buckingham Palace's new arrival.