Reading boss Steve Coppell says that in-demand midfielder James Harper is happy to stay at the Madejski Stadium.

Harper has been linked with a return to the Premier League following the Royals' relegation last term, with Bolton, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Stoke all being linked with bids for the £3million-rated star.

However, Coppell does not expect the midfielder to demand a move away from the Madejski Stadium.

"It was in his contract that he goes on the transfer list if we got relegated," Coppell told the Evening Post.

"He's on the transfer list - if someone meets our valuation then I'll put it to him. But he's quite happy to stay here and play.

"He's spent a number of years at the club and, in a way, is excited about trying to get back in the Premier League.

"He just loves his football; he just wants to play week in, week out. In the Premier League I don't think there are enough games for him: he'd like twice as many games.

"He just says, 'If I'm going I'll go, and if I'm staying I'll stay' and you'll know you'll get 100 per cent. That's perfect with me."

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