Shorey has been strongly linked with a move away from the Royals following their relegation to the Championship last term.
The 27-year-old was perhaps Reading’s most consistent performer in what was an otherwise forgettable campaign, his attacking thrust from left-back giving the Berkshire club’s survival hopes alive until the final day of the season.
West Ham United were initially linked with a swoop for the former Leyton Orient man, but Aston Villa and Portsmouth appear to be his most ardent suitors at present.
And while Coppell is unwilling to sell one of his team’s most valuable assets, he holds no grudge against Shorey for seeking an immediate return to the Premier League.
“To be fair to Nicky Shorey, he has made it clear from this time last year that he would prefer to leave and ply his trade elsewhere,” the ex-Manchester United player said on Sky Sports News.
“We as a club have an asset and it is a delicate balancing act between trying to satisfy the demands of the player and also trying to satisfy the demands of the football club.”
Despite his best efforts to convince Shorey to stay, Coppell is convinced the England international will indeed leave the Madejski in the very near future - although the 53-year-old will hold out for nothing less than top dollar.
“We had a good talk yesterday, there was a little bit of interest last week and the chances are he will be gone by next week,” he continued. “I am 60-40 convinced that he will be gone.
“The offer was a firm one but we have no need to sell anyone and I’m not going to give anyone away.
“It has to be a realistic bid in terms of market valuation, and bear in mind that 12 months ago he was coming off the back of playing two games for England against Brazil and Germany.
“I don’t feel disposed to let him go for nothing. I appreciate it is a year on from that particular moment, but as yet the valuation is not what we find acceptable.”
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