Coppell not counting his chickens

Royals boss keeping cards close to chest

By James Pearson   Last updated: 17th January 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Coppell not counting his chickens

Coppell: Coy on signings

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Steve Coppell is refusing to divulge what signings Reading have in the pipeline until the deals are done.

The Royals are reportedly closing in on Malian international forward Jimmy Kebe, although the deal is complicated as he is currently on loan at Boulogne from Lens.

Coppell has confirmed there are a couple of irons in the fire, although he acknowledges circumstances can change from day to day.

Paperwork

"I never think any deal is close until a player is in the room and signing the paperwork," he told the club's official website.

"We're speaking to a couple of clubs about things. Every day the market changes.

"Someone might do a deal, another club gets someone injured, they sign someone and that frees up some money elsewhere.

"There's loads going on, it's an ever-changing picture. We have to be there or thereabouts."

One player who has linked up with the club is Poland international keeper Wojciech Kowalewski after he joined the Premier League outfit on trial.

Kowalewski, who played in last season's UEFA Champions League for Spartak Moscow, is currently a free agent and searching for a new club.

The 30-year-old is expected to spend a week at Reading before Coppell decides whether or not to retain his services on a permanent contract.

Denied

Finally, Coppell has ruled out an imminent departure of fringe striker Simon Cox, who has been linked with a move to League One side Swindon Town.

"He has made it clear that he wants to play. He would love it to be here, but if not then somewhere else," Coppell continued.

"I said to him "let's just see what happens in the transfer window" and after that we can make a more definitive decision."