Albion boss Steve Coppell was today thinking over an offer to take charge of First Division Reading.

Chairman Dick Knight confirmed to The Argus that Coppell and not Glenn Hoddle is the man Reading want to succeed Alan Pardew at the Madejski Stadium.

Knight revealed: "He (Coppell) went for an interview yesterday. My understanding is he is the man they want.

"I've put a number of issues to him regarding why he should stay.

"He is mulling these issues over together with the offer he has received from Reading.

"He wants time to think about things and that is what I have given him. He is very much his own man.

"Steve is torn to be honest. It's not a done thing but who knows?"

Coppell was conducting what could be his final training session with the players at the club's Falmer training ground today.

Knight said: "It's business as usual as far as we are concerned."

Coppell said before training: "There have been preliminary conversations with Reading. That is all I am prepared to say.

"These things are delicate. It's flattering to be associated with another club."

The Argus revealed last week that Coppell was the top target for Reading chairman John Madejski.

No approach had been received at that stage, but Madejski made his move after being turned down by former Albion manager Peter Taylor, now in charge at Hull.

Knight wanted to get a hat-trick of away games in the space of a week, at Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Rushden and Diamonds on Tuesday night, out of the way first.

Reading have said they will make an appointment before Saturday's home game against Bradford.

Their interest is the latest in a succession of shattering managerial blows for Albion, all related to the long wait for a new stadium at Falmer.

Adams left for Leicester in October 2001 after steering the Seagulls to the Third Division title.

Taylor took over and Albion won Division Two as well before he quit in frustration over the stadium saga and small playing budget.

Significantly, Coppell told The Argus last night: "This would ceratainly not be an issue if the stadium was resolved."

Reading chief executive Nigel Howe added that the club still aim to announce their new manager this week, but said: "It will certainly not be today."

Coppell took charge a year ago after Martin Hinshelwood was axed, with the Seagulls stranded at the foot of the First Division.

The former Crystal Palace and Brentford chief almost masterminded a miraculous escape from relegation, as Albion's fate was sealed on the last day of the season.

He signed a new one-year contract in the summer and the Seagulls have made an encouraging start back in Division Two.

They remain second after Swindon were held 2-2 at home by Luton last night.