Royals confirm Connolly interest

The Royals have been busy making enquiries for players to boost their squad for next season, having been knocked out of the Division One play-offs at the semi-final stage last month.

Connolly lead The Dons to a top-half finish last term, scoring 24 goals and forming a useful partnership with captain Neil Shipperley at Selhurst Park.

However, with the Division One side currently in administration and continuing to face problems with their move to Milton Keynes, top players like Connolly may come available if things are not turned around.

Despite the interest, Reading chief executive Nigel Howe played down any suggestion that the club were at a point of making a bid for the Republic of Ireland international.

"We have expressed an interest for David Connolly but have not made an offer," Howe told the club's official website.

"I am not sure whether we are going to be making an offer, we have got a lot of alternatives at this stage and are weighing up our options.

"I understand a fee would be required and right now - we are not at that stage."

Howe added that he also hopes to reach an agreement with Division Two side Bristol City for highly-rated winger Scott Murray.

The Royals have already had two bids rejected by the Ashton Gate club for the Scotland B international and it remains to be seen if terms can be reached between both parties.

Meanwhile, Reading boss Alan Pardew believes that striker Jamie Cureton should accept the offer of a new deal and stay at the Madejski Stadium.

Bristol City, QPR and MLS side DC United have all shown interest in signing the former Bristol Rovers hit-man but Pardew feels Cureton would be better suited by staying in Berkshire.

"It might be great for a couple of years (in MLS), but then what happens? It's easy to be forgotten and a move out there could be a dangerous one for him," Pardew told the Reading Evening Post.

"He has had a couple of offers, but nothing too exciting. I'm still hoping he chooses to stay here."