Coppell confirms Premier League interest

Manager Steve Coppell has revealed that Reading players have been the subject of bids from Barclays Premier League clubs – but the Royals boss insists the club are under no pressure to sell following their relegation from the top flight.

Coppell revealed he was aware of as many as three offers for his players. He refused to name the parties involved, but Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has publicly declared his admiration for full-back Nicky Shorey.

“We have players who obviously want to remain in the Premier League and who feel they should be playing in the Premier League, and there have been speculative phone calls and a couple of bids – three at the very most,” Coppell said.

“Some players have come to me and said things along the lines of ’if anybody comes in with an offer for me then I would like to go’.

“I can understand their attitude. They have tasted the Premier League and they all want to be there, and the quick and easy way is the transfer and to sign a contract somewhere else.

“But we don’t have to sell anybody. Players are under contract and we have no financial pressure to sell.”