Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt has refused to publicly rule out the prospect of him joining Sunderland.

The Royals rejected a £2.5million bid from the Black Cats for the 26-year-old, with Steve Coppell claiming there was "no way" Hunt would be leaving.

But the Republic of Ireland international is still thought to be on Sunderland boss Roy Keane's transfer-window shopping list.

And he has done little to end the speculation.

Hunt told the Daily Mirror: "I told the club what I thought about that (Sunderland's bid) and that will remain private.

"The club knows my situation and how I feel and we'll see what materialises.

"It's entirely up to Reading. Sunderland is a big club and Roy's doing a great job there. But I'm here, Reading know my situation and I'll give my best for them, that's all I can do."