Reading Abandon Mensah Hunt

Reading have been unsuccessful in their attempts to lure Ghanaian World Cup star, John Mensah, to The Madejski Stadium.

The Premiership new boys had been hoping to sign the Rennes defender, but have seen club record bid rejected by the French club. Royals boss Steve Coppell was prepared to pay ?3.5 million, but has now ended his pursuit of the defender.

"We made an offer and they turned it down," Coppell confirmed.

Rennes is reported to have said that "...it doesn't matter what you offer he is not for sale.

"So in those circumstances you don't keep knocking." Coppell said