Pardew wanted to speak to Hammers - agent

Alan Pardew is “flattered” by West Ham’s interest in him and would have spoken to them about the vacant Upton Park manager’s job had Reading not rebuffed an approach, according to his agent.

The Hammers finally made their approach this morning as they look to replace the sacked Glenn Roeder.

Reading chairman John Madejski turned down their request but agent Barry Neville revealed Pardew would have wanted to speak to West Ham.

Neville said: “Alan would have liked the chance to talk to West Ham United. He is flattered by their interest. They are a big club and he would have liked to speak to them.”

But Madejski told the official club website, www.readingfc.co.uk: “I was approached this morning by West Ham United asking for permission to speak to our manager about the vacant managerial position and I said no.”