READING have taken up an option to extend winger Michail Antonio's contract by an extra year, hurting Saints' hopes of signing him permanently.
The 20-year-old has been on loan at St Mary's for much of the season and has produced some impressive displays.
Manager Alan Pardew revealed after Saturday's 3-2 win over Carlisle that he would be speaking to the Royals about a permanent move for Antonio, who was out of contract at the Madejski Stadium in the summer.
But Reading today revealed they held an option to extend that contract by a season, which they announced they had taken up.
Antonio himself said after Saturday's match that he would be happy to make a permanent move to Saints.
Had Reading not taken up the option, the two clubs would have needed to have agreed compensation, due to Antonio being under 24.
Now, any deal would need to involve a transfer fee for the cash-strapped Berkshire club.
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