Harper tipped to be loyal to Royals

Reading boss Steve Coppell has told a quartet of Premier League sides that in-demand midfielder James Harper is happy to stay at the Madejski.

Harper: Happy to stay at Reading, claims Coppell
Harper: Happy to stay at Reading, claims Coppell

Harper has been linked with a return to the top flight following the Royals' relegation last term, with Bolton, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Stoke all being linked with bids for the £3million-rated star.

However, Coppell does not expect the midfielder to demand a move away from the Madejski Stadium.

"It was in his contract that he goes on the transfer list if we got relegated," Coppell told the Evening Post.

"He's on the transfer list - if someone meets our valuation then I'll put it to him. But he's quite happy to stay here and play.

"He's spent a number of years at the club and, in a way, is excited about trying to get back in the Premier League.

"He just loves his football; he just wants to play week in, week out. In the Premier League I don't think there are enough games for him: he'd like twice as many games.

"He just says, 'If I'm going I'll go, and if I'm staying I'll stay' and you'll know you'll get 100%. That's perfect with me."

Your Comments

LOYALROYAL4LIFE (Reading fan)

"if he goes i for 1 aint going to loose any sleep"

scanlen (West Ham United fan)

"This is a funny non-story. You mean 4 clubs have been mentioned as interested in him to try and create transfer interest. All it's done is frighten the fans of those 4 clubs to think our teams might actually be interested. Mr Coppell, you are welcome to keep him and I hope you are very happy together. Can we stop all the Harper stories now then?"

SeanT (Middlesbrough fan)

"PLease stay at reading, we want better"

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