Wolves target keen to move

Reading midfielder James Harper has insisted Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was wrong to deny him a return to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old was set for a move to Molineux earlier this month after a £2m fee was agreed with Reading, but the transfer hit the buffers when the buyers called off the deal amid concerns over the player's fitness.

Now Harper, who has played more than 300 games for the Royals, including 76 in the top flight, wants to prove to McCarthy - and any other boss in the market for a new player - that he is fully fit.

The 28-year-old said: "I respect his decision but I don't agree with it. I was just recovering from a groin injury and when Mick looked at the scans he told me I wouldn't be ready. I think he is wrong.

"Since then he has been to the Madejski Stadium to watch me play and I hope my performance demonstrated that I can do a job.

"Don't get me wrong. I am not desperate to leave Reading, but they have now put on record that they are willing to let me go.

"I am happy here, but at the back of my mind is the fact that Reading accepted a fee and told me I can go."