Royals reveal deadline day block for striker

On deadline day last month, Reading rejected a bid from League Two side Crawley Town for Mathieu Manset.

The 22-year is reportedly becoming frustrated with the lack of first team football, with the signing of Jason Roberts pushing him further down the pecking order at the Madejski Stadium. It is believed that the Royals were more keen on a loan deal for Manset.

Crawley were keen to add to their attacking options after losing Matt Tubbs to Bournemouth and manager Steve Evans said: "We made a written offer for Mathieu Manset at Reading, but we could not agree a fee with them. I will add that Reading conducted their business very professionally indeed."

The former Hereford striker had a fantastic start to the season after scoring a brace in the opening game against Millwall. However, injury has restricted his game time over the past few months and a loan move to League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers has been regularly mentioned.

The forward nicknamed 'Beast' by the Reading supporters has also recently been hit with a driving ban for a year, after refusing to take a breath test in January. He has scored five goals in 21 appearances for the Royals since signing from Hereford January last year.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.