Reading Football Club have confirmed that striker Leroy Lita will not be joining Sheffield United.

Following the sale of James Beattie, the Blades reported that they had lodged a bid for Lita.

But in fact the striker had already rejected the offer, prior to the Yorkshire club's statement, and instead pledged his future to Reading.

Director Of Football Nick Hammond confirmed to readingfc.co.uk, "We did receive a private offer from Sheffield United for Leroy Lita last week.

"We always try to be open with our players regarding bids officially lodged by other clubs, so it was put to Leroy.

"However we were very pleased that Leroy firmly stated his desire to stay at Reading, and he will not be joining Sheffield United."

Manager Steve Coppell added, "As I have said many times, I believe that all transfer business should be conducted 100% in private so I have no further comment."

After seeing Lita, 24, score his team's fourth goal against Watford on Friday, Coppell had said, "I've got four strikers that I'm very happy with and it's a healthy, competitive situation for us.

"Leroy is a natural goalscorer, the best box finisher we've got. He wants to play and he's putting pressure on the boys who started."

After that victory over the Hornets, Lita had publicly spoken of his desire to aid the Royals' promotion push, saying, "After I came back from my loan at Norwich the manager and I spoke.

"He said he would love me to stay here and be part of things, and I made it clear to him I've got no plans to go anywhere.

"There's nothing in my head other than helping the lads achieve what we want for the rest of the season."

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