Royals offer duo new contracts

Reading have offered new contracts to Ulises De La Cruz and Simon Cox.

Ecuador defender De La Cruz moved on a free transfer from Aston Villa last summer, scoring once in his 15 appearances, and has provided squad cover.

Striker, Cox, 20, is an academy product and ended the season on loan at Northampton where he was on target three times in eight appearances.

Royals director of football Nick Hammond told the club’s website, readingfc.co.uk: “We have made offers to Ulises and Simon and hope that they will be resolved soon.”

Hammond also hopes to settle the future of four of the club’s younger players, who are all out of contract this summer.

He added: “In the next few weeks we will be sitting down with Aaron Brown, Ben Hamer, Jonathan Hayes and Scott Davies to discuss their futures.”

Graham Stack, Scott Golbourne, Alex Pearce and Curtis Osano have returned to the Madejski Stadium after completing their loan spells.

But Steve Sidwell has definitely played his last match for Reading with boss Steve Coppell confirming yesterday the 24-year-old has left the club.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with the highly-regarded midfielder, who can move on a free transfer, and Hammond declared there were no hard feelings at his departure.

He said: “Steve Sidwell has been magnificent for this football club. He’s a top player and a tremendous professional who sets a fantastic example for any youngster.

“Everybody at Reading loves him and we wish him every success in the future - he faces a big decision and we all hope it works out well for him.”