Rumour Round-Up

Scott Murray is once again the centre of speculation this week, the transfer wrangle between Reading and Bristol City seems no nearer its conclusion.

The Royals had another bid for the 29-year-old Scotland B international rejected this week, with City still holding out for a sky-high £1m. Reading's offered a player, believed to be Martin Butler, plus cash for Murray's services but Robins Chairman Steve Lansdown had no hesitation in rejecting the bid because it still fell well short of their valuation of the Scotsman.

You can read the story here.

You can read Reading MAD's opinion on the massive transfer fee the Ashton Gate side want here.

It looks as if Martin Butler will still be wearing a Reading shirt next season, albeit for the reserves. The Dudley born striker is not believed to be keen on a move away from the Madejski Stadium as no club are be prepared to match the £8,000 per week wages that he is believed to be on.

Loan moves to Stoke, Bristol City and Preston all fell through last season because the respective managers were not prepared to blow their entire transfer budget on Butler's excessive personal demands. Given his poor performances when selected for the Royals last season perhaps he should voluntarily take a pay cut...

Elsewhere, there have been a lot of rumblings about Jamie Cureton's future plans. The 27-year-old is out of contract and is unlikely to accept Reading's offer of a new one-year deal because of continuing disagreements with boss Alan Pardew and his failure to secure a regular first-team berth.

Curo was in the US this week on trial with DC United and netted twice in a practice game. However, there is no news yet on whether the American side will offer him a contract. Closer to home Bristol City and QPR have both confirmed an interest in the former England Youth International, but whether they will be prepared to offer the kind of money that will be available the other side of the Atlantic remains to be seen.

You can read out article on where we reckon Cureton will end up here.

Meanwhile, Reading boss Alan Pardew has been linked with a move for Portsmouth defender Arjan De Zeeuw. The 34-year-old had looked set to move to the Royals last summer from then-club Wigan until Harry Redknapp made an eleventh-hour swoop.

After playing a major role at Fratton Park this season it looks as if the 6ft centre-back has little chance of playing regular Premiership football next year. Reading boss Alan Pardew is believed to want to renew his long-term interest.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe told the Reading Chronicle: "We are also looking at centre-backs and I know Alan Pardew likes De Zeeuw, but there's nothing to report."

Reading MAD can EXCLUSIVELY confirm that Brighton defender Danny Cullip is moving to the Thames Valley. The Bracknell born player is set to move to a house in Lower Earley. Furthermore, it is believed that the 27-year-old, who played a starring role for the Seagulls last season, is set to complete a transfer to an unnamed club next month. More as we know it.