Hunt has been outstanding for Reading this season

Having had two approaches rejected for Hunt, 26, Sunderland are thought to have made a fresh �4.5m bid for him.

"They can come calling every day - there is no positive response from us in that direction," said Coppell.

"The reality was that they made a bid but we would like our core players to be happy staying here."

Coppell also believes that Hunt, who has scored seven goals this season, would be happy to stay at the Madejski Stadium.

606: DEBATE I would love to see Hunt play for us - superb midfielder oxonmackem

"There are some clubs that, whether we like it or not, when they come calling then it is hard to turn it down, for the club and the player," he added.

"But he has a really strong connection with this club. He was a free transfer from Brentford when we signed him and although there is not a debt by any means he has a good feeling about this place."

At the end of December Hunt was phlegmatic over the speculation surrounding his Reading future.

"January is always the time for speculation, and you have to deal with it," said Hunt.

"You never know what's around the corner. Could something happen? I don't know.