Coppell plays down Doyle talk

Reading boss refutes speculation

Last updated: 26th August 2008

Kevin Doyle Reading Premier League Football Derby County

Doyle: Staying at Reading

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Reading manager Steve Coppell has insisted there has been no new interest in striker Kevin Doyle.

Doyle has been linked with a move away from the Madejski Stadium since Reading's relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

A number of top-flight clubs including Aston Villa and Sunderland have reportedly targeted Doyle over the summer.

Coppell stated last week there had been no bids for Doyle, and he has again dismissed speculation suggesting the Republic of Ireland international could leave the club before the close of the transfer window.

Coppell, who has already lost the likes of Nicky Shorey, Glen Little and Dave Kitson, believes it would have been difficult to keep hold of Doyle if a Premier League club had made a move.

"There's been nothing about Doyle, I've heard nothing for weeks," Coppell told the club's official website.

"I've always said if Premiership clubs decide they want our players then it's hard."