Curo's Madejski Return Heightens Deal Speculation

Last updated : 09 December 2003 By Rob Cooper
Fans favourite Jamie Cureton, who never saw eye-to-eye with ex-boss alan pardew, could be set to complete a shock return to the Madejski Stadium.

The 28-year-old centre-forward was back at the Madejski Stadium this morning to see Royals physio Jon Fearn. However, the former Reading number twelve was merely having an injury checked out. Yet the news will do nothing to halt the ever-increasing rumours.

Curo signed for the Korean side Busan Icons back in July but after an unsuccessful stint. But after an unsuccessful spell in the Far East he is expected to sign for an English club during the January transfer window.

The Icons who paid the Royals legend a reported £8,000 per week (tax free) are preparing to let Jamie, who has a year and a half left on his contract, go for a nominal fee.

Rotherham, Bristol City and QPR have all been linked with the goalscorer, but a return to Reading appears possible given that it is widely accepted that he only left the Madejski because of disagreements with former manager pardew.
Speaking to the official site Jamie confirmed that he would consider an offer from the Royals if they wanted him back.

"I never really wanted to leave in the first place as everyone knows, so if the opportunity came about (to return to the club) I'd definitely consider it."

Royals manager Steve Coppell is scouring the market for a new centre-forward and with little money to spend, a move for Jamie Cureton could prove to be the best option.

Tentative inquiries for Peterborough forward Leon McKenzie have borne no reward, so at the very least one would expect Coppell to assess the ex-Reading player.

Yet the massively-popular Cureton admitted he doesn't yet know where his future lies. He said: "So now it's case now of getting fit, speaking to clubs over here and trying to sort something out. I can sign for someone on January 1st so hopefully then I'll be playing in England again!"

Reading currently can list Nicky Forster, Shaun Goater, Bas Savage and Nathan Tyson as their attacking options. However, Tyson and Savage lack the experience required to play in the First Division on a regular basis whilst Goater, who has underperformed since signing for the club in the summer, is currently suffering from injury problems.

Clearly there is a call for another striker at the club. But will Curo answer that call?