Shaun Goater?s Reading future took a further hammering yesterday as boss Steve Coppell began the search for a new striker.

Goater?s miserable season sees the Bermudian striker stranded on 48 appearances for the Royals, with the prospect of more looking increasingly remote.

With Dave Kitson out injured, and Lloyd Owusu and Nicky Forster firing blanks for three straight games, Coppell is now turning to the transfer market rather than the veteran former Man City striker for inspiration.

Coppell has already said Goater can go out on loan but his fresh search for a replacement striker further fuels the rumour that Goater is the victim of a contractual problem.

It is understood that a clause in the striker?s contract means Reading would need to make a substantial payment to Manchester City, Goater?s former club, if the striker hits 50 appearances ? something he appears very unlikely to do.

Coppell is now thought to be competing with Premiership side Southampton for the services of former England international Les Ferdinand. Crystal Palace?s Neil Shipperley is thought to be another target for the Reading boss.

?The lack of goals is a worry,? said Coppell after his side?s 1-0 defeat at home to Derby on Monday.

?If you?re scoring goals you?ve got a chance. The players joke about the references to Dave Kitson being a one-man team ? I thought they would be more up for the challenge, but to be honest we have not created a great deal.

?Nicky Forster needs a goal. I think that would be a hell of a boost for him.?Goater has started just two league matches all season and has been out of favour with Coppell since the former Manchester United star arrived at the Madejski Stadium last season.

The manager has consistently left the Bermudian out of his plans, not even giving him 90 minutes in any pre-season friendly and only offering him a start in a League Cup game.

Goater did start two league games when injury forced Coppell?s hand but he has since been left out in the cold, often not even invited to travel with the squad to away games.