WATSON AND TYSON TRANSFR LISTED

Watson is on the list

Midfielders Kevin Watson and Nathan Tyson appear to be in the closing stages of their Reading careers. The duo, who have had little to no part to play under Coppell's regime, were today placed on the transfer list by the Royals boss.

Former Rotherham midfielder Kevin Watson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has long been known to be disillusioned by a lack of first team opportunities at the Madejski.

Twenty-one-year-old Nathan Tyson meanwhile, who earlier this year was earning rave reviews for a stunning performance in the England Under 20 side, will be allowed to leave having not even featured on the subs bench under Coppell.

But Coppell's reasoning almost certainly lies in his long-term planning. The Reading manager wants to add 'two or three' players to the squad - but has been told that if he is to do so he must first raise himself some transfer funds by selling some players.

Whilst Watson and Tyson have been adjudged to be the weakest links, Coppell revealed he had perfectly amicable conversations with the duo, who will remain available for selection for the first team.

"In the last few days both Kevin Watson and Nathan Tyson have come in to speak to me, and as a result we’ve made them both available to offers, or possibly loans," said Coppell, speaking to the official site.

Tyson appears to be on his way out of the Madejski

"It certainly isn't the case that this is the end of their Reading careers and I want them out – both players are just frustrated at their recent lack of first team opportunities and they want to test the water.

"It won't affect my relationship with either player, which is first class and professional, and it won't affect whether I use them in the team."

The Royals manager went onto reveal that the Watson wanted to leave now so he doesn't face a battle to find a club with hundreds of other out of contract footballers next summer.

"Kev's contract is up at the end of the season, and it could well be the case again that there will be lots of players available this summer, so he wants to avoid that glut."

Many will feel that the 29-year-old, who was instrumental in guiding Reading out of Division Two, was not given a fair chance with the Royals. When introduced to the first team the Londoner nearly always played well. Indeed, some would say that Kev should currently feature in the midfield ahead of either Harper or Hughes who have put in some poor performances of late.

The decision to transfer list Tyson seems to be a strange one. The youngster hasn't featured of late, but if he was to depart the Royals would be left with just two left-footed players in their squad, Nicky Shorey and John Salako.

With no cover on the left you have to begin to wonder if Coppell is planning to bring someone in. The evergreen John Salako has performed well in the past month, but at thirty-four his career is certainly not in it's infancy.