New contract talks between Reading and midfielder Stephen Hunt have broken down.

The Sun says Hunt is one of the lowest paid of the Reading squad that battled to a creditable 8th place in their debut season in the Premiership.

After his impressive contribution to the success of Steve Coppell's side, Hunt had been offered a new deal in an attempt to fend off interest from the likes of Aston Villa and promoted clubs Birmingham City and Sunderland.

But negotiations have broken down and he is now expected to cost a potential buyer a fee in the region of £1.5 million.