SAINT CASKEY?

The former Tottenham midfielder is expected to leave cash-strapped Reading in a bid to cut their debts, which are thought to be seeing The Royals losing around £230,000 a month.

It is believed that Caskey was brought to Hoddle`s attention by his assistant coach, former Reading number two, John Gorman.

Alan Pardew, the Reading manager, admitted last week that the club would now be forced to sell players, starting with Caskey, after paying £750,000 for Cambridge striker Martin Butler.

The 25-year-old, who has also been linked with a £750,000 bid from Watford, was signed from Spurs in 1995 for a then club record of £700,000.

Caskey has scored 15 goals so far this season and Pardew admitted last week: "If someone came in for him we would have to look at that closely. He is certainly playing above this level and deserves better."

David Allen