Reading say they are yet to make a decision on whether they will allow centre-back Alan Bennett go out on loan in the new season. Town are understood to be interested in taking the former Cork City man on a short-term basis.

Royals director of football Nicky Hammond said: “Alan Bennett is coming back to Reading for the start of the season and at this point in time reports saying otherwise are nonsense. We need to see where he is for ourselves.

“First and foremost we want to have a good look at him in training before we decide about any loan moves.”

Reading have already turned down an approach from Leeds for the twice-capped Republic of Ireland international.

Bennett has yet to make an appearance since moving to the Madejski Stadium and manager Steve Coppell said last week that he will consider where things stand once his squad get back in training: “We'll see how things develop. If Alan is not playing we will have to decide whether he is going to develop better in our reserves or by going out on loan to another club.

“We can't make that decision until things get under way, though, and we can't plan for that because more often than not things fall down.”

Bennett, 6ft 2in tall, joined the Royals from Cork for an undisclosed fee in January.

The 25-year-old was a team-mate of George O'Callaghan's at Turner's Cross and recently won his first two Republic of Ireland caps during their tour of the US, playing alongside Alex Bruce in one of those games.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls