Hunt feels 'wounded' after Reading block Everton move

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Stephen Hunt last night spoke of his anger and disappointment after Reading blocked his move to Everton on transfer deadline day.

The Republic of Ireland winger, who is primed for a World Cup start against Georgia in Mainz on Saturday, revealed he felt 'wounded' when the 11th hour move to the Premier League broke down on Monday night.

'It (Everton) was a big club and it was disappointing that Reading could not have helped me out a little bit to benefit my career.

'For what I have done for them, it would have been nice,' he said after Reading reportedly rejected a £3.5 million bid from Everton.

'There's a £5 million release clause in my contract. Reading would have got a big chunk of that up front and the rest within a year but they (Reading) did not want to budge,' he said.

But Reading manager Steve Coppell disputed Hunt's version of events, flatly denying there had been an offer from Everton at all.

'I read on Sky we were supposed to have turned down a £3.5 million bid from Everton for Stephen Hunt but that was not the case,' said Coppell.

'I spoke to David Moyes, I think on Sunday, and he was just making a call regarding a number of players and asking the situation.

'Nobody at this club heard from Everton so it (the bid) was incorrect. It was part of the media frenzy,' said Coppell.