Reading Paper Talk 16/01/2007

Reading are ready to put a bid in on Bobby Zamora, the Daily Mail reports today.

Apparently the Royals have told West Ham to name their price in a bid to strengthen their striking options after suffering a blow with Kevin Doyle being ruled out for four weeks.

Although there are no reports to suggest this is true, if speculation is anything to go on this rumour looks quite sound. Steve Coppell has been an avid admirer of Zamora`s since their time together at Brighton.

But it was only yesterday that Coppell was quoted saying: 'I am not looking to bring in a new striker because of this. I still have four strikers who can compete for a place and I think there is healthy competition.'

The Times, meanwhile, oppose this story suggesting Zamora is in fact heading for Wigan.

The Mail also reports that a Reading offer on Sheffield Wednesday defender Madjid Bougherra is imminent.

Bougherra is valued at around 3m, but Reading are not alone in their interest; Everton and Charlton are also keen to land the player.

The name most associated with Reading, Greg Halford, is again linked with the club in todays Times. According to the newspaper Neil Warnock`s big spending Blades are confident of beating the Royals, Wigan and Charlton to his 4m rated signature.

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