Reading Chronicle
McAnuff denies £1.5 million QPR bidRangers target? Jobi McAnuff says he has heard nothing from his agent regarding an alleged £1.5 million offer from QPR.
JOBI McAnuff has denied any knowledge of a £1.5 million bid from Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers.Royals are rumoured to have rejected a seven-figure bid for the 28-year-old winger earlier this week.
But McAnuff insists there has been no contact from Neil Warnock's west London club and that he is planning to return to pre-season training today (Thursday) along with the rest of his Reading team-mates.
Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, McAnuff said: "I don't know too much about that, I've heard nothing from anybody.
"I'm expecting to go into training as normal so from my point of view it is nothing but a rumour.
"I don't know the ins and outs of the story but I'm sure I'll be filled in if there's any truth in it."McAnuff signed from Watford for £500,000 last summer and enjoyed a productive season.
It is clear he is highly valued by boss Brian McDermott, who is operating under tight financial constraints following the end of Premier League parachute payments.
But while McAnuff believes the QPR link it merely a rumour, he firmly believes several of his team-mates have been offered deals by rivals clubs.
So far, the only senior first-team player to have been sold this season is Marek Matejovsky, who signed for Sparta Prague for £600,000.
But McAnuff argued: "I wouldn't be surprised if there is interest in a lot of the boys after the way we finished last season.
"We played very well towards the end and I think a lot of clubs noticed that.
"I'd be surprised if there aren't other offers lying around on the table for some of the lads.
"But we can't pay too much attention to rumours and stuff. You ignore all of that until the club puts something formal to you and I've heard nothing."
Royals have made two signings this summer after landing left-back Marcus Williams on a free transfer and right-back Andy Griffin from Stoke City for around £250,000.
Williams, 24, rejected a new deal with Sc**thorpe and turned down an offer from Sheffield United to join Reading on a three year contract.
And, as we revealed in last week's Chronicle, Reading have also won the race to sign 31-year-old Griffin on a two-year deal.
The new recruits met up with the rest of the squad this morning for the start of pre-season training.
McDermott's chief objective now is to keep his squad together.
Player of the Season Gylfi Sigurdsson penned an improved three year deal recently following links with a string of Premier League clubs including Fulham, Wolves and Bolton.
Experienced Icelandic duo Brynjar Gunnarsson and captain Ivar Ingimarsson are also on board for another year.
However, first-team regulars Jimmy Kebe, Shane Long, Simon Church, Jem Karacan and goalkeeper Adam Federici could be targets for predator clubs.
"Looking around, nobody is making any major moves, especially in the Championship," added McAnuff.
"The World Cup maybe causing that but the financial situation is tough these days and the money doesn't seem to be there.
"But clubs often leave it until they get back to see what they need in particular, then they may act. Obviously players could also leave so that has an knock-on affect.
"But if we can keep everyone together I think it could be a massive boost for the club."
And he declared: "Gylfi Sigurdsson has signed a new contract which is brilliant news and I know the club are trying to sign Andy Griffin.
"We also brought in Marcus Williams nice and early which means he should be settled in by now.
"So hopefully the manager gets what he wants over the coming weeks and he's happy with the squad going into the season.
"I don't think we need to add that much. We just need to make sure everybody is happy and wants to stay at the club."
*** READING'S clash against Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium has been put back a day and will now take place on Wednesday, November 10 (8pm). ***
www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/articles/2010/07/01/47227-mcanuff-denies-pound15-million-qpr-bid/
