Reading Out of Elokobi Race?

Reading boss Steve Coppell has reportedly ended his interest in Colchester United`s sought-after defender George Elokobi.

Elokobi, 21, recently handed in a transfer request at Layer Road and has not appeared in a Colchester shirt since.

'Big George', as he is known by the U`s fans, was seen as the man to fill the boots of Royals full-back Nicky Shorey, who is stalling on signing a contract extension at The Madejski Stadium.

Yet, a report in today`s Sun newspaper claims that Coppell is now hopeful that Shorey will stay with the Premiership side for the remaining eighteen months on his contract, which would end the need to invest in a new left-back.

Shorey, who is an England international, is a transfer target for London side West Ham and has rejected a new deal worth £25,000 a week.

Meanwhile, Elokobi must make do with life on the bench after a bust-up over his future with manager Geriant Williams.

Elokobi claimed that the Essex club was denying him the right to speak to interested clubs recently and has since been unable to get back into the starting XI.