HUNT TO REUNITE WITH COPPELL

The Irish winger will link up with Royals boss Steve Coppell for the 3rd time after the pair worked together during Coppell's spell's as Manager at former clubs Crystal Palace and Brentford.

Hunt was set for a move up north to League 1 side Bradford City only for the Royals to come into the transfer race at the 11th hour and agree to sign the player under the noses of City.

Bantams Manager Colin Todd was furious in the manner in which the Royals went about the move. He told the official Bradford website;

"I am bitterly disappointed after all the hard work Julian Rhodes and myself have done in an attempt to get him to sign for Bradford City.

"We had agreed terms and he agreed to sign and has gone back from his word. That is the problem with some players nowadays. He flew in from Ireland and even went for his medical before deciding to go elsewhere.

"I just hope he has made the right decision for himself. We could have offered him regular first team football whereas Reading he will be a member of a very large squad.

"Even his agent advised him to come to Bradford as it would have been the right choice for the lad but in addition to going back on his word to us, he is going against advice from his agent.

"The agent has conducted himself in a professional manner which is more than can be said by other parties. Reading went direct to the player knowing that he had agreed to a move here and no contact was made with his agent."

The 21 year old winger is currently on holiday but is expected to put pen to paper on a 2 year contract when he returns.

He will join fellow Irish players Kevin Doyle and Shane Long at the Madejski, who signed from Cork City last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the club are still pursuing attempts to get more players in.

Another striker is still a priority with Bristol City's Leroy Lita a strong target. Lita only has 12 months on his contract and the Robins could cash in on Lita who could cost the Royals in the region of £800,000.

Another transfer target is Crewe Alexandra's midfield versatile playmaker Kenny Lunt. He could cost the Royals in the region of £300,000. However the Alex are under no financial pressure to sell so it's likely they'll hold out for the best deal possible.

A defender still remains a must with only 4 defenders in the current first team squad. Jon Ostembor could make the switch to the Madejski Stadium after being released by European Champions Liverpool. He can play either at right full-back or in central defence and has turned down a move to Reading in the past.

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