Steve Coppell now expects Nicky Shorey to leave Reading by the end of this week.
The left back, 27, has been the subject of speculation all summer, and Steve thinks he will be at pastures new by the start of our Football League season at Nottinhgam Forest on Sunday.
Speaking to our online TV station Reading World in an interview that is live now, Steve said, "Without being specific about any destination, I expect Nicky to be gone by the time we kick off this weekend.
"There has been interest, and I expect him to be plying his trade with someone else by the time we get to Nottingham.
"Of course I would love him, even now, to turn around and say 'you know what, I don't fancy a move, I've spent so many years at Reading, I want to stay here and help guide them back into the Premiership.'
"But, he's been consistent right from this time last year. He's said he wanted to go, try a fresh challenge. We'll see what happens but I imagine he'll be gone."
The full interview with Steve is live on World now as he discusses the season, transfers, the Forest opener, injuries and much more. See our free preview clip or sign up for less than 10p per day.
