Royals boss encourages striker to sign new deal

Reading manager Brian McDermott has told his striker Simon Church to sign a new deal at the Madejski Stadium, in order 'to protect' his future.

The 23-year old is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League for the Royals and is not currently making it into the match day 18. With the Welsh international's contract set to run out this summer, the former Slough boss does not want to send out Church on loan until his contract situation has been fully resolved.

Speaking to Jonny Fordham of the Reading Post, McDermott said: "It`s not ideal. We would prefer he signs a contract and then goes out on loan and plays games. We will have to see and then re-assess it. I need to talk to him and see where we have got to. I`m trying to give Simon best advice and I want to make sure all my players do well.'

'I think I`ve done that with our players. I`ve told him to sign a contract here so he is protected and then get out on loan. If he does well then he will come back to us. Or, he does well and gets sold to another Premier League side. And if he doesn`t do well then he has a three-year contract here at Reading."

Church has been linked with a move to several Championship sides over the past couple of months, with Huddersfield and Cardiff two of the interested parties. The academy graduate has been with Reading since the age of 14, playing 106 games and going onto appear for his country on 18 occasions.

Wiki page: Simon Church

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