Royals locked in striker talks

The agent of Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has confirmed he is locked in talks with Reading over a possible move to the Madejski.

Royals boss Brian McDermott is keen to get the striker on board and reports on Tuesday went as far as suggesting that a four-year deal worth £65,000 a week had been agreed with the player. Such reports appear to be premature but the player's representative Oleg Artemov has admitted that talks are taking place with Reading and other interested parties. Fulham are also keen to take him on a long-term deal after he impressed with six goals in 12 games during the second half of last season and Artemov says a decision is imminent. "We are not just holding talks with Reading. There are other English clubs," he told Russian news agency R-Sport. "I think that a final decision will be taken in a week's time." Backed by new Russian owner Anton Zingarevich, McDermott is confident of fighting off rival interest as he should be able to make the player an offer he cannot refuse.