Shaun Goater appears to have rejected Joe Royle?s overtures for a shock move to promotion-chasing Ipswich Town.

Royle, who took the 33-year-old frontman to Manchester City six years ago, was keen to add the 6ft 1in Bermudian to the Tractor Boys? squad on a three-month loan deal to boost his push for the Premiership.

But Goater, who only joined Reading in the summer, appears to have turned down the temporary switch following discussions with boss Steve Coppell.

?Shaun has got no intention of leaving Reading,? Coppell told the club?s offical website last night.

?He?s happy at the club and he wants to complete the job that he was brought here to do.?

And Coppell defended his potentially-unsettling decision to inform Goater of Royle?s interest, stating: ?With these things I always try to be transparent and open with the players concerned, especially when they are senior players.

?I feel it?s only right and correct that players should be informed of interest in them.?

Royle, who remains a keen admirer of Goater from their halcyon days together at Maine Road, has also admitted defeat in his attempts to work once more with his ?favourite son?.

?I had another conversation with Steve Coppell at Reading and he says that Shaun is reluctant to go on loan to another club,? he said.

?That appears to be the end of our interest in Shaun ? certainly for now.?

Goater, who has hit seven goals this season for the Royals in league and cup and has made 20 appearances, admitted to be flattered by his former boss? overtures, but said of the interest: ?At the moment I am a Reading player and all my focus is with them.?