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Royals expecting mass exodus after relegation

14/05/2008

Reading are preparing for a massive sale of a number of their top players following the club's relegation from the Premier League last week.

The Royals have several top-price assets in terms of playing staff, and it is thought that several will demand moves or be shipped out in order to free up some money to sign new players.

Among the most likely candidates to leave the Madejski Stadium this summer is full-back Nicky Shorey, who is keen to keep alive his hopes of adding to his two England caps by securing a switch to a top-flight club.

Out-of-favour striker Leroy Lita also looks set to leave after spending the second half of last season on loan at Championship club Charlton Athletic.

Sunderland have apparently already expressed an interest in signing first-team stars Stephen Hunt, Kevin Doyle and Dave Kitson, who could all leave in the close season.

Hunt revealed today that he has a clause in his contract that could spell the end of his association with the Berkshire outfit, although it remains unclear how many other members of the current squad have similar deals.

Director of football Nick Hammond admitted to the Reading Evening Post: "There will probably be more change and reflection than in the past few years.

"Clubs go in cycles. Sometimes there needs to be change and sometimes there doesn't, but maybe we have got to that stage where we do need to make changes."

Reading were relegated after finishing 18th in the Premier League last season, despite beating bottom club Derby County 4-0 on the final day.

Fulham avoided the drop, and simultaneously sent the Royals into the second tier, with a last-gasp 1-0 victory at Portsmouth.