Wolves waiting over Berra

Wolves should know by tomorrow whether their £2m bid for Hearts defender Christophe Berra has been accepted.

But they have been encouraged by news that the player is prepared to leave Tynecastle.

Contrary to reports, Wolves' latest offer has not been turned down, after bids of £1m and £1.5m were rejected in the summer.

But Hearts are keen to create a market for one of their prize assets and get £3m.

Molineux chief executive, Jez Moxey, admitted the club's interest but would not add to recent speculation.

He said: "It is not news that we have had a long-standing interest in the player. But we will not discuss transfers until they happen."

Wolves' lead at the top of the table has been cut to just two points after a 1-0 defeat at nearest challengers Reading last night.

Central defender Neill Collins scored an own goal and then got sent off late on to compound his misery. Boss Mick McCarthy felt that his side competed well but was left to rue Collins' error.

He said: "Apart from the goal, which is a defining moment, I'm delighted with how we played. We scrapped to the bitter end and they've had a right go."

McCarthy was visibly fuming with the decision to send Collins off at the end and felt that his players were not protected.

He said: "There are certain individuals that I am raging with – but they are not on my team.

"I haven't asked the question why he was sent off as I thought I'd better calm down first, but I think he upset the linesman's feelings. That of course is more important than any bad tackles that were flying in.

"But there are 17 games left and 51 points to play for."

By TIM NASH