'I am physically and mentally here': Reading star addresses future amid transfer talk
Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira has insisted that he is 'physically and mentally' focussed on the football club amid reports linking the shot stopper with a move this month.
The 28-year-old moved to Berkshire last summer and has made 33 appearances for the club since overtaking David Button as first choice midway through last season.
Predominantly a number two for most of his career, the Portuguese stopper has played more times for the Royals than any other club in his career.
Popular with supporters, the Manchester United youngster has five clean sheets so far this season.
Fears remain both internally and externally that the club will need to sell players this month to fund the club in the short-term as the ownership crisis continues.
READ MORE: Reading FC goalkeeper attracting 'Championship interest'
One of many out of contract in the summer, this month is currently the last opportunity the club get to earn a fee for Pereira, unless he signs a new deal in the coming months.
According to the Mirror, Championship clubs have shown an interest in the keeper but he 'could' stay this month and be a free agent in the summer.
However, speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Stockport County, Pereira was certain that his focus remains solely on the Royals.
"I am physically here and mentally here," the goalkeeper said. "My only focus is at Reading, and I want to keep giving my best, the way I have been from my first day. I am physically and mentally only at Reading Football Club and I’m focussing on Stockport and the next game. I am here.
"This team has done a fantastic job, not just the team but the whole club. All the staff and people working behind-closed-doors with everything going around. Everyone has stayed focused and very committee to this football club. Everyone helped us to perform on the weekend and I just hope we keep working as hard as we have been, keep this group tight with the same mentality we have been showing. We are a family on the pitch, and this won’t change. Hopefully we will create rewards."
Reading will look to return to winning ways on Saturday at Leyton Orient, who sit directly behind Noel Hunt's side in the League One table.
