Shorey to Leave This Week

The long running saga involving England international Nicky Shorey appears to finally be coming to an end.

Shorey has been linked with a move away from the Royals for over a year now and interest in the full back has mounted in the last week or so.

With Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Newcastle and Sunderland all battling it out for Shorey's signature, Reading boss Steve Coppell has admitted he expects the former Leyton Orient man to be gone by the end of the week.

Coppell said: 'There has been interest, and I expect him to be plying his trade with someone else by the time we get to Nottingham.

'Of course I would love him, even now, to turn around and say 'you know what, I don't fancy a move, I've spent so many years at Reading, I want to stay here and help guide them back into the Premiership.'

'But, he's been consistent right from this time last year. He's said he wanted to go, try a fresh challenge. We'll see what happens but I imagine he'll be gone.'

Still no word on a replacement, although Portsmouth's Martin Cranie is the latest name to be bounded around.

Until a replacement is signed, winger Stephen Hunt is expected to deputise at left back.

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