Adrian Mariappa has been subject to several bids from Premier League clubs. Picture by Eddie Greville
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Watford turn down Reading FC offer for Mariappa
By Lewis RuddJune 13, 2012
Reading have had a bid for Watford defender Adrian Mariappa turned down by Championship club Watford.
It is understood the Royals tabled a bid in the region of £2 million plus future add-ons for the much sought after defender, who rejected a deadline day move to Wigan Athletic in January and was also the subject of a failed bid from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Watford are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £3 million for Mariappa, who won the first of his three Jamaica caps earlier this year.
However, the 25-year-old, who will know Reading assistant manager Nigel Gibbs from his time at Vicarage Road, only has 12 months left on his contract, and an offer in the region of £2.5 million could be enough to lure the club’s player of the season away from Hertfordshire.
Fellow Premier League new boys Southampton are also said to be in the chase for the signature of Mariappa, who is understood to be keen on testing himself at a higher level.
The refused bid comes in the wake of Reading having a similar offer for Nottingham Forest full-back Chris Gunter thrown out by the side they beat 1-0 to secure promotion back to the Premier League in April.
Brian McDermott’s interest in the Welsh international is said to have cooled after having their enquiry rebuffed.
The City Ground outfit are only prepared to listen to offers in the region of £3 million.
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