Royals and Ipswich to fight it out for Andrews

Reading have joined in the race for Ipswich target Keith Andrews, after several reports have stated that the current Blackburn Rovers player has handed in a transfer request at Ewood Park.

The 31-year old has spent the majority of this season on loan at Championship rivals Ipswich, where he made 20 appearances and scoring a very impressive nine goals in his tenure at Portman Road. It is believed Paul Jewell is keen to strike a permanent deal for Andrews.

Andrews is also a Republic of Ireland international and has been a regular under Giovanni Trapattoni in the past few years. He was most notable for his time at MK Dons, earning many plaudits for his performances.

Whether McDermott will make any moves on deadline day remains to be seen but with his unpredictable transfer nature, anything could happen. The 50-year old has already brought in three players in this window, with a defender also high on his wish list after Karleigh Osbourne's deal breaking down.

Royals boss Brian McDermott seems to have enough options in the centre of the park with the signing of Tomasz Cywka but could deploy the Polish midfielder in a more wider role if Andrews was to join the club.

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