Published: Thursday, 25th June, 2009 10:10am

Royals prepare for Doyle bidding war

by Anthony Smith

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READING insist they are firmly in the driving seat over the sale of Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt.

Royals are resigned to losing the Republic of Ireland duo in the summer, but they are determined to squeeze every penny out of whoever buys them.

As the Chronicle exclusively revealed last week, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has put Doyle at the top of his wishlist.

It is understood the 25-year-old striker held talks with the Molineux club last weekend after the Premier League newcomers agreed to meet Royals" £6.5 million asking price.

But with reports suggesting Bolton are also ready to join Fulham, Sunderland and Everton in the race to land Doyle, it could spark a bidding war for the Republic of Ireland striker.

The deal is now certain to smash the £5.5 million Stoke City paid for Dave Kitson a year ago and set a new Reading record for a transfer fee received.

Wolves remain frontrunners to land Doyle but sources suggest he is tempted by Fulham"s offer and the opportunity to play in next season"s Europa League.

Royals director of football Nick Hammond said: 'When you think we have players who have performed at Premier League and international level there is bound to be strong interest in them.

'Look, Kevin Doyle is a proven goalscorer and they are always sought after so of course clubs will be looking at him.

'It"s the same situation with Stephen Hunt. I would love them both to be with us here next season, but sometimes you just have to move on.'

Royals want to complete their business as early as possible to give boss Brendan Rodgers maximum time to work with his squad.

However, with a host of clubs clamouring for Doyle and Hunt"s signatures their value could rocket the longer Reading hold out.

'We aren"t working to a time frame but if we are going to sell a player it is more beneficial for them to go earlier,' explained Hammond.

'Saying that, if you do an early deal you may miss the chance of a better deal down the line. It"s only right we get as much as we can for any player we sell on. There has to be a balance.'

Doyle, a £78,000 bargain from Cork City four years ago, has netted 53 goals in 163 games for Reading and established himself as a regular with Ireland.

Royals will try to sign Watford"s Tommy Smith as a replacement for about £700,000, though Wolves could be ready to hijack that bid.

However, Smith may prefer to join Reading having blossomed under Rodgers in the seven months he was manager at Vicarage Road.

Danny Rose also shone with the Hornets under Rodgers following a loan move from Tottenham. Rodgers may strike a similar deal for the England under-21 winger when Hunt goes.

And Rodgers could do the same with Chelsea"s highly-rated young defender Jack Cork who had a spell at Watford last season. With rumours that Marseille want Andre Bikey, Rodgers could be in the market for a centre-back.

'There is a lot of speculation and we are making and receiving a number of telephone calls,' stated Hammond.

'Yes, there is interest in our players so we will have to wait and see what happens.'

And Hammond says he understands why the likes of Doyle and Hunt would want a move back to the top flight.

'Sometimes fans find it hard to accept when a player leaves,' he argued. 'That"s understandable because they support and love their club.

'It can be perceived as a snub but there are players here who have given us very good service and possibly could have left last year.

'They may now feel the time is right for a move and that it is best for themselves and for us. But the important thing is Reading get the right deal.

'I won"t be pushing any deal through I don"t think is right for us financially or from a team point of view.'