Coppell seeks Shorey replacement

12:18pm Friday 22nd August 2008

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STEVE Coppell is hoping to sign a left-sided player before the end of the transfer window.

Having lost Nicky Shorey to Aston Villa, the Reading manager has repeatedly stated his intention to bring in cover on the left.

Sheffield United's Chris Armstrong and Southampton's Andrew Surman have been linked with a move to the Madejski.

The Royals are also interested in signing Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs on loan, but Coppell wants to make sure he gets the right man.

"We do need another left-sided player and have a list of targets that we are working on," he said. "There is nothing imminent and the search goes on, but it's not a desperate one because it has to be the right player."

While looking for another player, Coppell also hopes to hold on to the rest of his squad.

"We are still vulnerable in case Premier League teams decide that their squads are looking short," he said. "I couldn't say if anyone will come in for any of my players before the deadline but, realistically, I can't see it."

Reading's Championship campaign continues on Saturday, when they travel to Charlton Athletic for a match that will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 (kick-off 12.45pm).

Charlton, under former Royals manager Alan Pardew, have had a mixed start to the season, losing 1-0 at Watford before beating Swansea City 2-0 in their opening Championship game at The Valley.

They are 12th in the table, one point below Reading, who followed an opening day draw at Nottingham Forest with a 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

• Southampton, who sold defender Andrew Davies to Stoke for £1.3 million earlier this week, will be looking to get their first points of the season at Derby County on Saturday (3pm).