by Only one Trevor Morley »
11 Aug 2006 10:04
Bikey may get a second chance
Reading are still keen to land trialist Andre Bikey despite his red-card shame – but they will now only consider taking him on loan.
The Cameroon international impressed during Royals’ tour of Sweden before letting himself down in the final game against Orgryte when he was dismissed for head-butting an opponent.
Bikey, aged 21, has a questionable disciplinary record. In just 25 matches with his last two clubs in Russia, he was sent off once and received 12 yellow cards.
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But despite the risk, Coppell remains interested, having been impressed with Bikey’s ability and his versatility. The trialist played at centre-back, right-back and centre midfield during Reading’s three matches in Sweden.
Royals, though, have no intention of accepting Lokomotiv Moscow’s initial valuation of £1.3million and are now looking at trying to negotiate a loan deal.
Coppell told the Evening Post: “Bikey was very, very disappointed about his dismissal – and he should be. In the circumstances he had a great opportunity, which to a certain extent was wasted, but I would still like to pursue something.
“We want to lower the risk, though. Any transfer is a gamble, but you want to limit that gamble so we might consider a loan. I don’t know if Lokomotiv would be receptive to that, so we have to see if there is any mileage in that.â€