Shorey insists on keeping options open

The Reading left-back Nicky Shorey has not ruled out moving in January, insisting it would be "daft" to say where he will be next year.

The England international was the subject of a £4m bid from West Ham last week, but it was dismissed as derisory by the Royals' manager Steve Coppell. Shorey's departure, however, is seen by many as only a matter of time and price.

He is valued at nearer £8m by Reading and has two years left on his contract, but has refused to sign an extension that would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history.

And he admitted he could not rule out any possible move. The 26-year-old Londoner, preparing for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers, said, "It would be daft for any player to say he would be here or there this time next year. All I know is I will continue to work as hard as I can and give my all to Reading. I am as fully committed to the club now as I have been over the last six years I have been here."

Reading's director of football Nicky Hammond said: "We offered him an exceptionally good contract that takes into account that this is an England international. It is just an issue of him wanting to take time and look at his options. I would certainly hope to keep him here beyond January, but you can never say never in this game."

Elsewhere, England women internationals will be given the chance to join the professional players' union for the first time The Professional Footballers' Association have announced an agreement with the Football Association as England prepare to compete in the women's World Cup in China.