Reading admit West Ham Shorey bid

Reading have rejected a bid from West Ham for defender Nicky Shorey, with manager Steve Coppell describing the offer as "derisory".

BBC Radio 5live reported on Wednesday that the Royals had turned down a £4m offer for the 26-year-old.

"I cannot deny there was a written offer made," said Coppell. "Given the price of players today we thought it was nigh on a derisory offer.

"We turned it down immediately and we have had no contact since."

Shorey, 26, made his England debut against Brazil at Wembley at the end of last season.

He has been linked with Newcastle, but West Ham are favourites to clinch a deal after talks on a new contract at Reading stalled.