Reading manager Steve Coppell has denied rumours that striker Nicky Forster is about to make a deadline-day move to Portsmouth.

Stories of a possible move have been circulating for a week and came to a head when Forster missed Saturday's 3-1 home win over Derby.

Coppell was asked whether Forster was being protected from injury pending a move to the Premiership club.

"I have had no contact from Portsmouth about Forster," said Coppell. "Nicky missed the Derby game because of injury. On Thursday he reported a recurrence of his stomach problem.

"We gave him an injection and expected it to clear up. It didn't, and he may not be fit for our trip to Rotherham.

"He has had a scan but it's only a muscle problem, and nothing too serious."