Reading director of football Nick Hammond says his club could offer Town full-back Dan Harding a permanent deal. The 25-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of June, impressed during a loan spell at the Madejski Stadium towards the end of the season.

Hammond says he was pleased with Harding's performances under departing manager Steve Coppell: "He is still contracted to Ipswich, but I spoke with Dan before the end of the season. He did ever so well when he played and we'll see how things go.”

Harding says staying in Berkshire appeals to him: "I knew I wouldn't get straight in the team because Chrissy [Armstrong] was playing fantastic. It took a bit of luck to get in there and that was unfortunate for him.

"I was thankful to play and hopefully I have showed what I can do. I would love to stay here, but I need to speak to the people upstairs and my family and see what happens.”

Harding is expected to meet with Town boss Roy Keane this week to find out whether new terms are on offer at Portman Road.

Other than the former Brighton and Leeds man, Liam Trotter is the only other out-of-contract player yet to learn his fate. The midfielder is still with loan club Scunthorpe, who play Millwall in the League One play-off final on Sunday.

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