Town loan target Shaun Goater says he is flattered that former boss Joe Royle is interested in taking him to Portman Road. The most successful period in the Bermuda international's career was playing under Royle at Manchester City.

The striker, who joined Reading for £500,000 in the summer, wrote in his column in Bermudian newspaper the Royal Gazette: “It is true that Joe has been in contact with my boss Steve Coppell and I am flattered because he and assistant coach Willie Donachie, more than anyone, were the most influential in my career and helped make me as well-known as I was with Manchester City.

”Joe Royle brought me to the club and gave me that opportunity and I am flattered to know that he is interested in me.

“I don't think the talk of my possibly going on loan will unsettle me, all it will do is let me know what my situation is with the club.”

Goater has told Royals' boss Steve Coppell that he is not interested in a loan spell at the moment.

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