Reading boss Steve Coppell admits he's in the dark over Arsenal's failed bid to prise football chief Nicky Hammond away from the Royals.

Hammond, Royals' director of football and an ex-Gunners goalkeeper, is believed to have been offered a similar role at the Emirates Stadium on the recommendation of former vice-chairman David Dein.

But it is understood the 39-year-old had a last-minute change of heart and decided to stay at Reading.

Coppell told the Reading Chronicle: "I'll chat to him about it over the next few days."