Royals reveal missed targets

McDermott tried for Bridge, Andrews and Mackail-Smith

By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey.   Last Updated: February 3, 2012 4:33pm

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Brian McDermott: Tried for other deals on deadline day

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Reading boss Brian McDermott has confirmed that he tried and failed with moves for Wayne Bridge, Keith Andrews and Craig Mackail-Smith before the transfer deadline.

The Royals are set to be taken over by Anton Zingarevich, who promised McDermott funds even before his move to the club was rubber-stamped.

And McDermott was ready to use some of that funding, but a few deals failed to materialise.

"We missed out on a couple who went to the Premiership, so we're talking about good players," he said.

"We spoke about Wayne Bridge and he went to Sunderland. I spoke to his agent and to Man City, I think we could have done it.

"We'd have paid a small percentage of his wages, but that's gone now, he made his decision and good luck to him."

Expensive

He also confirmed enquiries for Brighton striker Mackail-Smith and Andrews, who joined West Bromwich Albion.

"Mackail-Smith would be very, very expensive. We investigate a lot of people, we didn't follow through on that one," he said.

"I know Keith Andrews and his agent, we had a conversation but he had the opportunity to go to West Brom on a six-month deal in the Premiership.

"So we knew all the situations going on, Maynard went to West Ham for three-and-a-half years, a lot of money, you know all the players who are out there, as I do."