Nice are aiming to trump Premiership interest for Reading fullback Nicky Shorey.

The Sunday Mirror says Nice have been planning a £2million offer for Royals full-back Shorey, who is eager to leave the club to continue his push to become an England regular. West Ham, Newcastle and Aston Villa are all interested, too.

But Reading chief executive Nigel Howe said: "You sometimes get clubs who will fly a kite with a stupid offer, but no one will steal any of our players away."