Bezza: Shorey Perfect for Toon

Former Newcastle full-back John 'Warren Barton' Beresford, has stated that Royals defender Nicky Shorey would be a perfect signing for the Geordies.

Bezza feels Shorey would be an ideal replacement for mega flop Jose Enrique.

He said 'There are some good left-backs out there and I think it would be a perfect opportunity for Nicky Shorey, and the perfect opportunity for Newcastle United.

'If Newcastle signed someone like Shorey, or even Wayne Bridge from Chelsea, they`re not going to be an understudy to Jose Enrique.'

Reading have made no secret of the fact that they are willing to let Shorey leave and Newcastle have now joined the list of West Ham and Portsmouth who have already expressed an interest in the former Leyton Orient man.

Meanwhile, Reading Director of Football, Nick Hammond, has said the club has stepped up their attempt to bring transfer targets into the club.

He said 'Steve Coppell and I sat down on Wednesday for a good chat about the squad and where we go from here.

'I felt very encouraged afterwards and Steve is very focused on the job we have ahead. We`re just looking forward to getting the squad back now and discussing who we would like to add to it.

'As director of football, it`s very much a joint effort between Steve and I when identifying players we would like to sign.

'We have talked at length about a few names and we will make some more inquiries.'

Michael Kightly of Wolves has become the latest name to be linked with the Royals, who are expected to make a formal approach for Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde in the near future.