Coppell - Harper happy to stay

Reading boss not fearing midfielder's exit

Last updated: 16th July 2008

Coppell - Harper happy to stay

Harper: Happy where he is

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Steve Coppell insists James Harper is happy to stay at Reading, despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Harper has been linked with a return to the top flight, with Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough rumoured to be showing an interest.

However, Reading boss Coppell does not expect the midfielder to demand a move away from the Madejski Stadium.

"It was in his contract that he goes on the transfer list if we got relegated," Coppell told the Evening Post.

Excited

"He's on the transfer list - if someone meets our valuation then I'll put it to him. But he's quite happy to stay here and play.

"He's spent a number of years at the club and, in a way, is excited about trying to get back in the Premier League.

"He just loves his football; he just wants to play week in, week out. In the Premier League I don't think there are enough games for him: he'd like twice as many games.

"He just says, 'If I'm going I'll go, and if I'm staying I'll stay' and you'll know you'll get 100 per cent. That's perfect with me."