JOEY van den Berg’s proposed move from Reading FC to Utrecht has hit a major snag.
The 32-year-old midfielder has been told he is no longer part of boss Paul Clement’s future plans and is free to find a new club.
Van den Berg looked to be heading back to his homeland in the Netherlands to join top-flight outfit, FC Utrecht.
But sources say Utrecht are struggling to meet the player’s wage demand and the deal could be off.
Van den Berg signed a contract extension with Reading last September until summer 2019.
He joined Royals from Heerenveen in July 2016 and has scored twice in 68 appearances.
Meanwhile, Oxford United appear to be struggling to finalise a deal to sign young Royals striker Sam Smith on loan.
Royals striker Sam Smith.
Reading are hoping to loan the 20-year-old forward for the upcoming season to gain more first-team experience.
But Us boss Karl Robinson this week admitted the deal is far from done.
He told the Chronicle’s sister paper, The Oxford Mail: “If we can get him in amongst a few (interested) Championship and League One teams it would be a real coup.
“His agent, the player and Reading have been very good.
“We’re in discussions with them but there’s a lot of competition.
“We like him and he’s on our list, but getting a deal done is always difficult when he’s that good.”
Smith made 11 first-team appearances for Reading last season, scoring twice.
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