Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Royals expecting Shorey exit

22 May 2008 - 08:36:50

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Reading have admitted that Nicky Shorey will leave the club following their relegation should they receive a suitable offer for the England defender.

Shorey, 27, has been linked with moves to West Ham United and Newcastle United during the recently completed season and now seems certain to be heading out of the exit door following the club's failure to retain their Premier League status.

The two-time capped international joined the Royals for just £25,000 from Leyton Orient in 2001.

"Nicky has not been too happy for a long time," chief executive Nigel Howe told the Reading Evening Post.

"Let's hope somebody comes in with a good offer."

Meanwhile, Howe has admitted that the club is looking to slash its wage bill ahead of a season in the Championship.

Referring to manager Steve Coppell, he warned: "He won't have money unless he sells. At the moment we are just trying to balance the budget.

"The concern is to keep as many of the core squad together but Steve does want to reduce the squad so he is expecting to receive offers for players.

"If Steve wants to keep all the players on the same salaries, there won't be the release of funds.

"If he reduces the wage bill, he will have funds. We have got very highly paid players."