Town are one of a number of clubs ready to offer Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt a contract if the 24-year-old turns down a one-year deal with the Royals. The Irishman has made only three league starts since joining Steve Coppell's side a year ago and may decide to leave the Madejski Stadium in the summer.

Despite being a regular sub, the Irish U21 international played a significant role in winning the Berkshire side promotion, coming off the bench on 34 occasions. The Waterford-born player started eight more games in the cups and totalled three goals in all competitions.

Hunt, 5' 9" tall, joined the Royals on a Bosman from Brentford last summer having spent four years at Griffin Park. While with the Bees Hunt played 160 games and scored 29 goals, after signing from Crystal Palace in June 2001, having made only three substitute appearances for the Selhurst Park club. Coppell was also Hunt's manager at both Brentford and Palace.

Leeds and Watford are also showing an interest in the left-footed midfield player.

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