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Hammers Block Shock Di Canio Swoop

Last updated : 17 March 2003 By Rob Cooper
By Oli Sumerling & Rob Cooper

Reading today failed to complete a senastional swoop for West Ham's skillful 34-year-old forward Paul Di Canio.

In order to bolster their promotion push Reading were keen to bring the controversial forward to the Madejski Stadium on loan until the end of the season.

The potential swoop for Di Canio is made all the more outrageous by the fact that this time last year the Italian was being linked with the likes of Manchester United and Lazio.

Some reports had suggested that the club had called a 3pm press conference to unveil Di Canio, however this proved to be wide of the mark. Alan Pardew has now quashed all speculation, insisting that the deal is off.

Speaking on the topic this morning Alan Pardew told readingfc.co.uk: "We've made contact formally (with West Ham) regarding a loan and no more than that. I've asked the Chief Executive about the financial implications and it all adds up."

However, in a bizzare u-turn, he dispersed all talk of a possible deal when it became obvious that a transfer was not going to happen. The Royals boss commented: "I enquired to West Ham about Paolo and they are not interested. The interest is dead as far as we're concerned."
He also apologised to West Ham, saying: "I shouldn’t have spoken to the press
about Di Canio this morning, but it was a genuine mistake. I apologise to
both West Ham United and Glenn Roeder."

Chief Executive Nigel Howe was also quick to make amends for the club's PR cock-up: "I'd like to assure West Ham that we will always make a formal approach if we are interested in a player and I hope this issue has not created any ill feeling between the clubs."

Di Canio is out of contract in the summer and has revealed that he will not be renewing his contract at West Ham - even if the Hammers retain their Premiership status. It is possible that come the summer Alan Pardew could decide to bring the former Celtic man to the Madejski Stadium.

It could be argued as to whether bringing in Di Canio would have improved the Royals promotion prospects, especially with the current team working well together and developing a good understanding. However, loan signings Matty Upson and Luke Chadwick have both proved invaluable to the Royals this season, with the arrivals of both players prompting winning streaks of six and five games respectively.