Bolton to make fresh bid for Reading midfielder James Harper

Bolton boss Gary Megson will make a new bid for Reading midfielder James Harper this week - as Middlesbrough drop out of the race.

Megson has a £3million offer on the table that the relegated Royals have rejected, but he is set to go in again and attempt to strike a deal for the third and last major target on his summer shopping list.

Wanderers and Boro had a pact not to outbid each other but that no longer matters as Gareth Southgate has had a re-think and plans to use Gary O'Neil in a central role - and that has dimmed his interest in Harper.

Bolton's problem is to come up with a cash offer that satisfies Reading, who have to pay Arsenal 40 per cent of the profit. That has forced them to push the price up.

Megson may try to get round that by throwing in a player or two in a swap deal.

For transfer stories and rumours throughout the day, check out our Football Spy blog

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