Reading - No Hunt grudge

Winger's exit wish not an issue for Royals

Last updated: 24th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Reading - No Hunt grudge

Hunt: Premier League ambition

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Reading insist there are no hard feelings towards Stephen Hunt after he expressed his desire to leave the club.

The Republic of Ireland winger, who was a key figure in the Royals' promotion push last term, has made no secret of his Premier League ambition.

As a result, the likes of Sunderland, Wigan, Everton and Bolton have all expressed an interest in obtaining his signature but as yet no offer has been made.

Royals' director of football Nick Hammond insists he has no qualms about the 27-year-old's recent admissions.

Wishing him well in any future move, Hammond says he respects Hunt's honesty in the matter.

"Hunty's view has been clear for some time now," he told The Post.

"It doesn't disappoint me he has come out and said it, that's football.

Honest

"He is an up-front kind of lad," added Hammond. "If you ask him a question he'll give you a straight answer. It is not a problem for me at all.

"Hunty has been fantastic for us. He wants a Premiership move having had one season in the Championship and I can understand that and if there is a deal that is right for all parties then we'll have to have a look at it, but at this point there is not."

Clubs such as Sunderland and Wigan have been strongly linked with a move for the talented winger in recent seasons.

Neither, though, have been willing to pay the £5million escape clause that Reading have in place.

Hammond added: "That clause is still in place and we'll have to see what comes of it this summer."