Royals have eye on Doherty

READING manager Alan Pardew has revealed that he is monitoring the situation of Tottenham Hotspur utility man Gary Doherty.

Pardew is in the market for an imposing centre half, and former Luton man Doherty is equally at home in defence or in a striking role.

Doherty is unlikely to figure regularly in the plans of Spurs chief Glenn Hoddle, a fact Pardew seems to be aware of, and his name was mentioned in meetings at The Madejski Stadium prior to the transfer deadline.

Spurs would, in all probability, want to recoup a large proportion of the £1.3 million they paid Luton for Doherty in 2000, which possibly stopped Reading lodging a bid.

Royals chief executive Nigel Howe said: "We had discussions about making a bid for him, but things didn't progress.

"They (Spurs) paid £1 million for him plus £300,000 extras, and if that's the case we don't value him at that figure."

Doherty's versatility would certainly appeal to Reading, and they may make a further enquiry when the transfer window re-opens again in January.

Howe added: "If he was available for the money we paid for Shaun Goater and Scott Murray, then we would be interested in him.

"It's quiet at the moment, but that's not to say a deal wouldn't be resurrected."