The inevitable speculation over Shaun Goater?s future has been filling column inches in UK newspapers over the past few days, with three clubs expressing an interest in the Bermudian striker.

Goater was bought out of the final year of his contract with Reading on Tuesday and has said he is now open to offers, promising he still has another good year left in him.

League One clubs Southend and Gillingham as well as Championship side Coventry, who Goater joined for the final seven games of last season on loan, are understood to be interested in the former Manchester City talisman.

However Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle has ruled out a move for the player he managed so successfully at Manchester City.

?We have no room for another attacker. We are limited in what we can do financially and our hot-spot is the defence, so the funds I have available will be directed at bringing in two defenders,? said Royle.

?We are an attacker down on last year. Also a midfielder and a keeper, but the defence is the priority.?

Goater, who has scored 249 goals in 521 games including 15 for Reading in 49 games, endured a torrid time at the Madejski Stadium, particularly after it was revealed the club would have to pay City ?50,000 if Goater played again.

The 35-year-old spent most of last season on the sidelines as manager Steve Coppell made it clear he had no interest in playing the 6ft 1in Bermudian international, who has made 19 appearances for his country.

Goater, who is taking his coaching badges this year, has said he will join a new club ?if the challenge is right for me and my family.?