Kevin Blackwell has confirmed Sheffield United are in talks with former Reading striker Leroy Lita.

Sheffield United open contract negotiations with former Reading and England Under-21 striker Leroy Lita.

BBC Sport understands Leicester City are keen to sign Reading’s Leroy Lita although manager Nigel Pearson remains tight-lipped on rumours linking the club with the former England Under-21 striker.

Reading striker Noel Hunt is set to return to the squad for the visit of Preston to the Madejski Stadium in the Championship on Saturday.Hunt missed the goalless draw at QPR last weekend with a slight ankle injury but he is now fit and should come in alongside Kevin Doyle, leaving Leroy Lita to return to the bench.

A look ahead to the weekend’s action in the Championship, with Reading’s assault on leaders Wolves hampered by the loss of Leroy Lita.

QPR have offered Championship rivals Reading 1.3m in a bid to lure striker Leroy Lita to Loftus Road while new Derby boss Nigel Clough is ready to sell striker Liam Dickinson.

QPR have offered Championship rivals Reading 1.3m in a bid to lure striker Leroy Lita to Loftus Road while new Derby boss Nigel Clough is ready to sell striker Liam Dickinson.

Reading manager Steve Coppell is happy that Leroy Lita wants to stay at Reading and fight for his place in the team.

Reading have confirmed that striker Leroy Lita will not be joining Sheffield United after the Blades lodged an offer for the player.Following the sale of James Beattie, the Blades reported that they made a bid for Lita that was accepted by Reading. But in fact the striker had already rejected the offer, prior to the Yorkshire club’s statement, and instead pledged his future to Reading.

Reading hitman Leroy Lita has pledged his immediate future to the club.