Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson is launching a bid for Reading midfielder James Harper.

The Mirror says Megson has a £3million offer on the table that the relegated Royals have rejected, but he is set to go in again and attempt to strike a deal for the third and last major target on his summer shopping list.

Bolton's problem is to come up with a cash offer that satisfies Reading, who have to pay Arsenal 40 per cent of the profit. That has forced them to push the price up.

Megson may try to get round that by throwing in a player or two in a swap deal.