Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Royals want to keep Hunt

09 Jan 2008 - 11:52:09

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Reading are confident of holding on to midfielder Stephen Hunt despite continuing interest from Sunderland.

The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international is a transfer target for Black Cats boss Roy Keane, but the Royals director of football Nick Hammond believes he will remain at the Madejski Stadium.

Hunt was handed improved terms on an existing three-year contract last summer, but Reading are now considering offering him a new deal.

"It is part of an on-going discussion," Hammond told the Reading Evening Post.

"We did his contract in the summer and I said to him 'if you progress like you have done this season, we'll look at your contract again'.

"That discussion was some weeks ago and we're in the middle of it. I'm sure we'll find a satisfactory conclusion for both us and Hunty.

"He is our player and he's done exceptionally well with us. I fully expect all our players to stay.

"No-one will be leaving Madejski Stadium unless it suits Reading that they do so.

"We are in control of the situation and there will be no developments unless we decide it's the right move for our club."