Royal flush as Hunt pens new deal after Keane transfer bids

STEPHEN HUNT is poised to become Reading’s highest earner after the Royals agreed to reward the Laois-born player’s endeavours, with a new contract.

The Ireland midfielder knew his bank balance was due to swell after Roy Keane made repeated efforts to bring him to Sunderland last month.

The Black Cats’ mainly-Irish financial muscle meant a lucrative contract was waiting for the 26-year-old in the north-east of England but Reading’s refusal to cash in on a player they had acquired for free in 2005 means they are now having to reward the player themselves.