McDermott denies Defoe interest

Reading boss Brian McDermott has firmly denied speculation linking the club with a move for out-of-favour Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

Manager claims Royals are not chasing Spurs striker

Reading manager Brian McDermott has firmly denied speculation linking the club with a move for out-of-favour Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe. The newly-promoted Royals have been busy in the transfer market so far this summer, with McDermott bolstering his attack with the additions of Pavel Pogrebnyak and Garath McCleary. The manager has also snapped up midfielder Danny Guthrie and left-back Nicky Shorey as his side prepare for their return to the Premier League. Defoe is the latest player being linked with a move to the Madejski Stadium, with reports suggesting Reading are lining up a bid of around £10million.

Uncertain

His future at Spurs remains uncertain following the arrival of new boss Andre Villas-Boas, having been used sparsely by former manager Harry Redknapp last season. But asked if he was interested in the 29-year-old England striker, McDermott told the Reading Post: "No." McDermott was also quizzed over whether the Royals had been in touch with Spurs to enquire over Defoe's availability. The manager added: "I don't know to be honest with you. (Director of football) Nick (Hammond) might have spoken to Daniel Levy, he speaks to him quite regularly." Defoe, who joined Tottenham from Portsmouth in 2009, has also been linked with a move to QPR.