Shorey set for Royals departure

Reading cannot afford to keep full-back

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st May 2008

Nicky Shorey

Shorey: Plenty of interest

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Reading have confirmed that they will listen to offers for wantaway full-back Nicky Shorey.

The Royals have been forced to accept that relegation from the Premier League will make it impossible for them to persuade the England international to stay.

West Ham, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all believed to be interested in acquiring the left-back, with the Hammers having chased his signature for some time.

Reading's chief executive Nigel Howe admits that the club will be forced to slash their wage bill over the summer; a situation which will undoubtedly lead to the departure of some of their biggest assets.

Potential

"Nicky Shorey and a few others will be looked at as potential people to leave," said Howe.

"Nicky has made it clear for a long time that he hasn't been too happy at the club.

"Well, let's hope that somebody comes in with a good offer."

Funds

Royals boss Steve Coppell, who reiterated his intention to remain at the club on Tuesday, has also been warned that he will be operating on a tight budget in the Championship next season.

"What we have said to Steve is that if he trades well it should release enough funds to go forward," Howe told the Reading Evening Post.

"But he won't have money unless he sells. At the moment we are just trying to balance the budget.

Wages

"The concern is to keep as many of the core squad together. But Steve does want to reduce the squad so he is expecting to receive offers for players.

"If Steve wants to keep all the players on the same salaries, there won't be the release of funds. If he reduces the wage bill, he will have funds.

"Even though we get the £11million parachute we have still got very highly paid players - even with the reduction in wages - so I think we will have to budget for a small loss.

"Salaries have to be at the middle range and some in the upper range for the Championship."