March 4 2004

Darren Powell

Darren Powell is to complete his move to Reading in the next few days after undergoing a medical on Friday.

The former Brentford centre-half does not want to leave but chairman Simon Jordan is keen to cash in on him.

Powell, who has been out since October with a thigh injury, has agreed personal terms with the Royals and just needs to sort out cash bonuses Palace owe him.

He said: "I don't want to leave the club (Palace) but if they have accepted an offer you have to listen to what the other club is saying.

"I was a bit shocked. I've been injured and I thought I'd get a bit of time to prove myself."

Reading's director of football Nicky Hammond said: "Darren will have a medical at Madejski Stadium on Friday, and we're hopeful of concluding the transfer early next week."