A SOURCE close to Reading FC has denied that the club have made a move for Southampton striker Rickie Lambert.

Reports emerged early this week suggesting that former Saints boss Nigel Adkins, who is now in charge at the Madejski Stadium, was considering a move for the striker, who scored 15 Premier League goals last season.

A transfer fee as high as £8million was quoted for the 31-year-old – but a club source has told the media such a move is a “non starter,” adding that there have been “no conversations” between the two clubs.

Lambert was a regular in the side as Adkins led Southampton from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons. However, new manager Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be on the lookout for a new forward, with Brazillian Leandro Damiao his top target.

He looks set to join Zenit St Petersburg, meaning the Saints boss may have to look elsewhere, but a big money signing could see Lambert, who only recently signed a new three-year deal at Southampton, left out in the cold.

Both Reading and Southampton are in pre-season friendly action tonight, with the Royals travelling to Bristol City and Saints taking on German side Schalke in Austria.

Both play again on Saturday. Reading host Premier League side Swansea, while Southampton play their final game in Austria, taking on Turkish outfit Besiktas.