Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Royals keen on Lita talks

26 Jun 2007 - 11:31:51

Click To Enlarge

Reading's director of football Nick Hammond has admitted that the club are keen to start talks over a new contract with England Under-21 star Leroy Lita.

The 22-year-old has been with the Royals for two years, but has been linked with the likes of Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City this summer.

Hammond told the Evening Post: "We have spoken to Leroy Lita's representatives, saying that we want to have that discussion, but he's been away with the Under-21s and that has been his main focus.

"He's still got two years left on his contract so we don't want to box anyone in. We had a meeting with him last week, but he'll be back in the country soon and hopefully we can move things forward.

"But with him, Nicky Shorey and the Irish lads (Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Stephen Hunt) doing so well on the international stage, these are very positive times for the club.

"If we look at what is most important to us, trying to keep our best players is of course top of that list.

"But this football club has always been run in a fair and sensible way. The club is always bigger than the individual so we always have to protect the ethics of the club."