READING could call off their tug-of-war battle for Rennes defender John Mensah and try to land Cameroon's Andre Bikey.

Reading FC are believed to have tabled a ?3.5 million bid for Ghana centre-back Mensah but his club, Rennes,are holding out for more with Monaco and Sheffield United also interested.

However,boss Steve Coppell could call off the chase after an impressive show from Bikey on their pre-season tour of Sweden.

It is thought Bikey would cost close to ?1 million and, if he plays well again, Coppell may decide to take the cheaper option.

Coppell said: "We are still looking to buy but what club isn't? We will only bring someone in if they are the right player at the right price.

Nicky Hammond (director of football) confirmed their frustration with the Mensah saga.

"We've been working very,very hard on John Mensah,"he said.

"There's a degree of frustration. The club doesn't want to lose them even if the player himself is keen to come."