READING FC have stepped up their pursuit of out-of-favour Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin.
The 31-year-old Russian has been a peripheral figure at the Emirates this season and reports claim he is close to moving to Berkshire in a deal worth around £4
million.
Zenit St Petersburg and Fulham have also been linked with the midfielder but it appears Reading will win the bidding battle when the transfer window opens on January 1.
However, Brian McDermott could miss out on the signing of defender Stopilla Sunzu after he was called up to Zambia’s African Cup of Nations squad.
The tournament runs from January 19 to February 10 so Royals are unlikely to get the opportunity to look at the TP Mazembe man properly
before the window closes.
Also seemingly out of the equation is Swansea City striker Danny Graham after he said he had no reason to leave the Liberty Stadium.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to the Madejski as he appears to have fallen down the pecking order at Swansea.
But, prior to the Swans’ trip to Reading on Boxing Day, he said: “I don’t see a reason to leave. I don’t know where these rumours come from. I can’t say enough times on Twitter about them.
“The gaffer hasn’t said he doesn’t want me here so I don’t see a reason to be looking elsewhere.”
