READING defender Andre Bikey has shrugged off speculation over his Reading future and pledged his commitment to helping the Royals back into the Premiership.
The 24-year-old Cameroon international last week indicated that he was “flattered” to be linked with a move to French side Marseille, but Bikey played down the chances of a move and is instead focused on Reading’s current tour of Sweden.
“Nothing is happening and at the moment I am a Reading player,” he said. “I have one more year left and I am enjoying playing here. We will wait and see what happens, but if I stay here I believe we can have a good season and aim to be in the top six. It will not be easy but we have a good manager here who likes to work with young players. We now have to work hard together and get in good condition for the new season.”
Bikey’s season ended on a low note in May when he tore off his shirt after being sent off in the semi-final first leg at Burnley, but he is determined to put such moments behind him and insists that he is fully focused on his performances on the pitch for new manager Brendan Rodgers.
“Steve Coppell was one of the best managers in the country, but Brendan is a young manager who will try to do something better in terms of bringing youngsters through,” Bikey added. “The training is very good and it is a new challenge for us. It will be enjoyable for the players as he is trying to get us to play good football, I hope I will have a good relationship with him and that we can try and get back to the Premiership if possible.”