Hunt deal in doubt

Everton's hopes of landing Stephen Hunt from Reading during the transfer window have taken a knock as the Royals do not want to sell.

Hunt was hoping for a move to team up with David Moyes' men last summer but the deal never materialised as the Everton boss was reluctant to meet Reading's valuation, thought to be £5m, for the player.

A string of great performances for the promotion chasers has seen Everton rekindle their interest and there is expected to be a move made when January comes around.

Reading director of football Nick Hammond has now said they want to keep all their players at the club as they push for promotion straight back into the Premiership and he is hoping the prospect of returning to the top flight with Royals, coupled with the arrival of younger brother Noel, will tempt him to stay.

"Of course it (losing him) is a concern, it has to be," Hammond told the Evening Post.

"But there is only one player at this club who can potentially leave in January without us being able to do much about it.

"So as far as I'm concerned the ball is very much in our court. We are at the top of the table, we are playing particularly well at the moment, we are competitive and there is no way I want to take anything away from that group.

"Hunty's attitude and application is first-class.

"He has given so much on the pitch. I think it's a boost for him playing with his brother who has been a revelation for us.

"I just feel there is a really good spirit among the players in the camp and the staff and that bodes well for us going forward and of course we want to keep that together and build on it."