Little Remaining a Royal

According to reports, Royals winger Glen Little is expected to reject approaches from several Championship clubs in order to sign a new contract with Reading.

The 32-year-old is currently out of contract and has attracted interest from Coventry manager Chris Coleman in particular.

Crystal Palace and Norwich are also believed to be interested in the talented wideman.

Little has been offered a one-year deal by the Royals and it appears he is likely to accept the offer.

He told The Reading Chronicle: 'I had a few things in the pipeline but you kind of expect that when you reach the end of your contract and you become a free transfer.

'You have the right to speak to other clubs, to see who`s out there and what is available. It`s what footballers do.

'But I`d like to think I will have everything tied up at Reading before the end of the week.`

Little missed practically the whole of last season with an ankle injury and many people, me included, have suggested that his absence was a key factor in Reading`s relegation.

After missing so much action through injury, Little is working hard to get into shape before the new season.

He said, 'Normally players are just glad for a break at this time of the year but not me.

'I had a week away in Portugal but, other than that, I`ve been training hard in the gym and doing a lot of running.

'Not many people are around so it`s just been me and Nicky Shorey. I want to be right up to speed for the start of pre-season.

'Last season couldn`t have finished at a worse time for me. I had a calf injury for two weeks but I was fit almost straight after the last game against Derby when it was too late.`

Although the Royals are among the favourites to win the Championship, Little conceded they must be cautious, as it will be a harder task than some expect.

He continued, 'Forest away is a difficult start for us. In fact, there will be no easy games because we`re up against new teams and players who we have never seen before. That is one thing we must guard against - the surprise factor.

'When we were promoted to the Premier League teams didn`t know us or what we were about and I think that worked to our advantage.

'But the boot is on the other foot now because we`re the new ones in the Championship and you can never be sure how it is going to go.

'The most important thing is to get off to a good start, we will know a lot more after the first six or seven games.

'In many respects the fixtures coming out are quite exciting this season because we have promotion to aim for.

'No matter how optimistic you are, the best we could have hoped for in the Premier League was to finish mid-table. Getting beaten most weeks wasn`t much fun either.

'But in the Championship we have something realistic to go for rather than fourth from bottom. The fans can hope to see a bit more excitement again.`

'In recent years there have been clubs like Southend, Colchester and Crewe in the Championship but now it seems there are only the big clubs.

'You only have to look at some of the grounds we will be visiting - they`re all great venues for football.

'The three relegated teams have all got superb set-ups while Swansea, Forest and Doncaster who all came up also have new grounds.

'For me it`s probably the nicest Championship there has ever been and I`m confident we will have a good season.`

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