Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell denies Hunt bids

29 Jan 2009 - 11:19:45

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Reading boss Steve Coppell has denied receiving any official bids for Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt.

Coppell hopes the January transfer window closes with the highly-rated midfielder still at the Madejski Stadium despite reported interest from a host of top-flight clubs.

Hunt has a £5million release clause in his contract but Coppell has rejected suggestions that the Championship side have been busy fending off interest in the player.

"I can categorically state 100 per cent there has been no bid for Stephen Hunt," he told the Reading Evening Post.

"When we signed Jay Tabb (from Coventry City) we faxed them an offer, they accepted it, we negotiated and that is a bid.

"As far as I am concerned an offer is one that is emailed or faxed, not something that is just talked about.

"How can you accept a bid when there has not been one made?

"He does have a clause in his contract, but a club has still got to seek permission and speak to us because he is our player.

"If someone bids £5million then he is free to go if he chooses, or he can turn it down."