Coppell set to splash the cash

By Matthew Grant
May 24 2004

Steve Coppell looks set to be given a £1 Million pound transfer kitty this summer to strengthen his Reading's squad as they look for promotion next season to the Premiership.Coppell is in desperate need of a winger and defender with Southampton's Neil McCann a possible target.

Steve Coppell has so far when restricted to the purchase of players but the cash boost during the summer is likely to give him a big smile with Reading needing a number of new players in order to have any chance of gaining a place in the Premiership.

With an already thin squad and the exit of John Salako, Kevin Watson and Scott Murray who left towards the end of the last campaign, Coppell is in need of the money. A new defender, left winger, central midfielder are a most.

A number of players have already been linked. Neil McCann from Southampton has been reported in the Evening Post today while Paul Brooker who can leave on a free from Leicester has also been tipped to join.

Darren Powell is also a target after a move last season collapsed due to the player failing a medical, if a deal cannot be completed this summer then Luton Town's Emerson Boyce has been lined up.

With Kevin Watson and Andre Boucaud departed Reading are on the look out for a central midfielder especially with James Harper's inconsistency a replacement is needed.

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