Shorey Linked With £1 million Southampton Move

Last updated : 13 July 2003 By Rob Cooper
Nicky Shorey
Shorey: On his way to Southampton?
The Roman Abramovich revolution at Chelsea could very soon affect Reading Football Club. Reports suggest that if, as expected, England full-back Wayne Bridge leaves St Mary's for Stamford Bridge then Gordon Strachan could move for Royals full-back Nicky Shorey.

Twenty-two-year-old left-back Shorey, one of the games hottest young prospects ,has been linked with the move South several times before, however, if Wayne Bridge was to jump ship a deal could go through.

Gordon Strachan is reportedly ready to pay £1 million to take Shorey off Alan Pardew's hands. Whilst many fans would consider such a sum somewhat modest, in the current transfer market £1 million is a large sum.

Abramovich is understood to be absolutely hell-bent on taking Bridge to the Bridge as the billionaires spending spree continues. The Russian is said to have already had two bids for the 22-year-old turned down.

It has also been reported that Bridge is very keen on a move to Chelsea. Speaking to TribalFootball.com the players agent said: "Having spoken to him (Bridge), yes (he would want to go).

"It would be a fantastic move for him, provided he wanted to go and everything was right for him. But hopefully he will have the chance to talk to them."

Royals boss Alan Pardew has said that he will not be selling anyone unless a club comes in with mega bucks for one of his stars. Despite this statement, it is likely that Reading would flog Shorey should they receive a £1 million bid as that kind of money could buy the players to win the Division One Championship.

Stay tuned to www.Reading-MAD.co.uk for all the latest developments on this story.