HOWE HITS OUT AT FOZZY AGENT

Smith released a statement on Friday and said;

"Personal terms were discussed between Wigan and myself. However, due to the unavailability of any hierarchy at Reading on the day, the issue of a remaining payment due from Reading to the player was not able to be discussed or indeed agreed on time.

"It is that issue that remains a barrier before personal terms can be agreed with Wigan.

"The player has therefore not declined the move and the onus is on Reading to agree the outstanding issue with the player before any further part of the transaction can be moved forward.

"Reading do not appear to be terribly motivated to complete the deal which has been a source of frustration to the player who is out of contract with Reading at the end of the season."

But Howe hit back and expressed his disappointment at the statement. He told the official website;

"I am very disappointed to see these comments from Phil Smith.

"During our discussions I made the football club's position on the negotiations very clear and he is fully aware of the situation.

"To see an organisation of the stature of First Artist, Phil Smith's company, using the media to try to provoke a club into agreeing a deal is very disappointing, but sadly typical of the behaviour of some football agents.

"As a rule we do not like to publicise details of any transfer negotiations and prefer to conduct our discussions in private, but on this occasion we have to defend the integrity of the club against Mr Smith's comments."

Forster looks set for a move away after failing to impress since his return from a groin injury.

The former Birmingham City striker has been a big hit at the club over the past 6 seasons but appears to be digging deeper in his own grave at the club after a minor feud with team mate Steve Sidwell and disagreements with Royals boss Steve Coppell.

Forster will not be wanting to end up in the same situation as his best mate Adie Williams. Local boy Williams wanted assurances about getting offered a new contract back in October but the club couldn't commit to a new deal at the time. That left Williams leaving the Royals on a free transfer to join Coventry City.