Pardew Chasing Reading Trio

Last updated : 16 April 2004 By Rob Cooper
Alan Pardew
Alan Pardew wants to take some of his former players to Upton Park
Speaking at last night's fans forum Coppell revealed that Alan Pardew has enquired about the availability of three Reading players - but the Royals manager insisted that they were not for sale.

Coppell refused to name the players that are being eyed up by Pardew, although fans have suggested the likes of Nicky Shorey, Steve Sidwell, Graeme Murty and James Harper are the Royals stars Pards is most likely to be chasing.

When Alan Pardew made his controversial move to Upton Park last September the Hammers signed a deal with Reading confirming that they would not sign any Royals players - at least until the end of the season.

But with the cut-off point soon to pass and Alan Pardew in the transfer market seeking fresh talent to bolster his squad their are growing fears within the Madejski Stadium that he could make an official approach for one of Coppell's players.

The Reading manager revealed that he gave the ex-Reading manager 'no encouragement' when he came a-knocking for some of his ex-players. But the question is, did Coppell put pards off the scent?

Although Reading fans are likely to believe otherwise given the manner of his departure, Coppell is confident that Pards will not attempt to 'unsettle' the three players by furthering his interest in them.

The club clearly do not want to sell any of their best players to West Ham; partly because it could tear the team apart but also because Alan Pardew is the Hammers' manager. However, if the East London side were to come in with mega money for any of Reading's players, you cannot help but think that Coppell would be tempted to sell.