Shaun Goater says his future is with the Reading Royals and not Joe Royle.

Reading, who signed Goater in the summer, were approached by Ipswich Town boss Joe Royle earlier this week with a view to taking him on loan.

Royle, the man who catapulted the Bermudian into the limelight after signing him for Manchester City in 1998, wanted the frontman to move to Reading's Division One rivals at Portman Road on a three-month deal.

However, Goater has turned down the opportunity to switch to the Tractor Boys and, instead, has pledged his future to Steve Coppell's men.

"I am very happy here and I see my future at Reading," Goater told The Reading Evening Post. "I'm flattered that someone has shown interest in coming in for me. I know Joe (Royle) and he knows me inside out. But I'm here to do a job and I want to carry on doing that job.

"I have no interest in leaving. I want to stay here. I believe I can achieve the things I came to do here, which is at least to get to the play-offs."

Goater missed much of the pre-season campaign and then suffered knee and calf injuries, but he remains confident in his ability.

"Things have not gone great for me, but I have the feeling the good times are just around the corner, in terms of getting more consistent performances from myself," he said.

"Goals breed confidence in yourself and your team-mates. But the main thing is I have belief in myself. Seven goals in 23 appearances is poor for me. That is more like one in three and I am more one goal in two.

"I'm disappointed with the amount of goals I have so far this season. I haven't produced yet but I know I will and I want to do it at Reading."

Royle, who spoke to Goater's boss Coppell about the move and then confirmed his interest to the media, something that annoyed the Reading boss, admitted defeat after being told of the player's reluctance.

"Shaun will be staying with Reading," he said. "He's only just moved to a new house in Reading, and he's got a young family. He wants to get settled there and fight for his place in the team.

"It was a bit of shock for him, hearing of our interest. It's just not the right time for him to be going on a loan move.

"Steve (Coppell) had wanted to go away and have a talk about it with Shaun. It's not a case of him snubbing us, but rather that he wants to stay put.

"That appears to be the end of our interest in him . . . at least for now."

Reading take on Derby County today and Goater will be hoping to get back on the goal trail as the Royals seek to improve on their ninth place in the standings.