[Chase]

West Ham continue to be linked with Reading duo James Harper and Nicky Shorey, but wait to make their move.
The pair are believed to be heading back to the Premiership later this summer as Reading prepare a clear-out of their most saleable assets.

But the Royals are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of activity at boardroom level, with all the talk going on through the press and no bids having been submitted for consideration.

Harper pledged his allegiance to Reading last week but, at 27, he may be reluctant to drop down to the Championship if he is handed the chance to stay in the top flight.

The Chelmsford-born midfielder signing a new three year contract just last summer, but Reading will allow him to leave if the price is right as Steve Coppell prepares to rebuild at the Madejski Stadium.

A figure of £3million has been suggested for a player who has made nearly 300 appearances for Reading since moving there from Arsenal, where he failed to get a game.

Shorey looks set to cost more to prise away from Reading and Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has been credited with an interest, despite George McCartney having earned the left-back shirt with a consistent run last season.