Ferdinand transfer target for the Royals?


By Mark Sugar
January 4 2005

Former Newcastle United and England striker Les Ferdinand has been linked with a move to Reading.He is currently a free agent after activating a clause in his contract which allowed him to be released from Premiership side Bolton Wanderers early.

FERDINAND TO SIGN?

Reading manager Steve Coppell has refused to be drawn into transfer speculation linking former Newcastle United and England striker Les Ferdinand into signing for Reading on a short term contract.

Ferdinand is currently a free agent after cutting short his stay at Premiership side Bolton Wanderers.

Yesterday the Daily Mirror story ran the story that Coppell wanted Ferdinand to sign in order to boost his side's promotion push.

However any deal remains to be seen with Shaun Goater still at the club. The Goat is reported to be earning a massive £8,000 which many supporters believe is holding back the club in it's push for promotion. It's also believed QPR are a side looking to take Ferdinand in as well.

But with the Royals going 3 games without scoring, then a move might be tempting. Leading goal scorer Dave Kitson is out until the start of March and Nicky Forster is short on confidence since his return from injury.

Another player linked with a move to Reading was Crystal Palace striker Neil Shipperley.

He hasn't featured much in Palace's dog fight relegation and would be keen on the offer of regular first team football. However whether Iain Dowie is willing to let his striker leave at such an important part of the season remains to be seen.