International defender hopes raised

Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle are on red alert after Reading boss Steve Coppell admitted he expects to sell Nicky Shorey.

The England left-back would probably have still been on the move if the Royals had not suffered relegation from the Premier League as he has one year to go on his deal and does not want to sign a new one.

Pompey, Villa and the Magpies all need to strengthen their option on the left-hand side of defence but Coppell has told them Shorey will not come cheap.

He told his club's website: "To be fair to Nicky Shorey, he has made it clear from this time last year that he would prefer to leave and ply his trade elsewhere.

"We as a club have an asset and it is a delicate balancing act between trying to satisfy the demands of the player and also trying to satisfy the demands of the football club."

Coppell added: "There was a little bit of interest last week and the chances are he will be gone by next week. I am 60-40 convinced that he will be gone."