Steve Coppell says he would love Nicky Shorey to stay at the Club, despite renewed transfer interest in the England international left back last week.

The boss admitted at the weekend that Nicky is 60-40 to leave Madejski Stadium, but he clings on to the hope that the defender will stay in Berkshire.

Steve told our online TV station Reading World, "This time last year Nicky came to us honestly and said he would prefer to go elsewhere. For us, he was an asset and was coming off games for England against Brazil and Germany.

"There was a valuation on him as a very, very valuable asset. There was only one significant enquiry last summer and nothing during the season.

"Now he's come to the last year of his contract and reiterated that he would prefer to go. For us, we're in the situation where we can't finance a big move for someone else in case Nicky doesn't go.

"But first and foremost, I would love him to stay. I want him to say he's happy here and wants to face the challenge of getting back into the Premiership that way.

"There was interest in him last week but not at our valuation. It's an ordinary valuation, we're not pricing him out of the market.

"We'll wait and see what happens. He's unsettled, we don't know what's going on and can't spend any money in case it's wasted and he stays.

"The alternative now is for Stephen Hunt to play there. I know he's uncomfortable there but if he continues and grows into it that would save us grief.

"I would like to stay within the squad for a solution, rather than having to find someone else at the last minute. Sadly we might have to."

The full interview with Steve is live on World now - see our free preview slip as he also discusses Jem Karacan, Jimmy Kebe and more.