The Royals director of football Nicky Hammond confirmed on the
clubs official website, www.readingfc.co.uk, that an approach had
been made for the 25-year-old centre-back, whose contract with the
Eircom League club runs out in November.
Having just seen striker George OCallaghan move to Ipswich - not
to mention the Royals picking up both Kevin Doyle and Shane Long
last season at a bargain price - Cork are determined to hold out
for a sizeable fee.
However, under the terms of his deal, Bennett would be free to talk
to other clubs from June.
While the 6ft 2ins defender is happy enough to continue playing
where he is, a chance to challenge himself in the English top
flight is a big lure.
I am in the dark, but it would appeal to me. Anybody with a career
wants to further their ambitions as I do. This is the Premiership -
so who would not want that? Bennett told the Reading Evening
Post.
Reading are flying and Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Stephen Hunt
are all doing well, but I am under contract here with Cork.
Steve Coppell is keen to bring new faces in during the January
transfer window but Hammond maintains the Berkshire club will not
be held to ransom.
We are still working hard to strengthen the squad, he said.
We have had offers on the table for players and discussions are
ongoing - but it is not proving easy. The market is inflated.
We realise there is a premium to be paid if you want players in
January but by the same token we have to make the right call.
Some of the fees being asked are absolutely ridiculous.
Leading scorer Doyle hopes to be back in action sooner rather than
later following his hamstring problem.
Scans have revealed the damage is not as bad as first thought, and
the 10-goal Irish striker could return towards the end of
February.
Doyle said: I am a quick healer and hopefully I will be back
within one month.
My aim now is to come back quicker, better and stronger than
ever.
With Dave Kitson, Bobby Convey, John Halls, Aaron Brown and skipper
Graeme Murty also stepping up their rehabilitation, Coppell could
have a welcome selection poser as he prepares for the visit of
Sheffield United this weekend.