The Reading winger said he would always give his best for the Royals, but admitted his desire to play in the top flight.

And the Republic of Ireland international said many of his team-mates feel the same way after the Berkshire club's relegation last season.

Sunderland head the queue for Hunt after falling short with their pursuit of him during the January transfer window.

Reading boss Steve Coppell persuaded him to stay at the Madejski Stadium back then on an improved contract.

But it is unlikely he will hang around now, and the Black Cats are reported to be working on a double swoop for him and team-mate Kevin Doyle.

Hunt said: "I've completely switched off from all the speculation over the last three or four weeks.

"I work on the basis that if anything is going to happen, I will be informed. All the other stuff you read in the papers is rubbish.

"If nothing does happen then I will make sure I am ready to play for Reading.

"But every Reading player wants to play in the Premier League, and that's the truth.

"Don't get me wrong, players are happy here, the facilities are great, and we've got an excellent training ground.

"But if anybody said they do not want to play in the Premier League they'd be lying.

"It's a short career, and I think fans would appreciate it more if players were more honest about these things.

"Supporters aren't stupid, and it makes more sense if they know what's going on.

"Nearly every player has been linked with some other club, and there is bound to be interest because I don't think we should have been relegated."

There was further speculation over Hunt's position when he was excused reporting for the first day of pre-season training yesterday.

But the Royals say he and six of his colleagues need a longer break because their holidays were curtailed by international games.

Hunt told the Reading Chronicle: "I'm having a bit of a longer break because I only finished with Ireland three and a half weeks ago.

"Since then I've been married too, so I'm having a rest, then will hopefully join up with everyone a bit later.

"I've been doing bits and pieces to keep fit like playing lots of tennis and golf and I feel in good shape.

"But you miss the football to be fair. You can't beat going training with your mates and having a good time."

Hunt was voted Reading's Player of the Year last season.

He added: "Personally, I love it around here. It's a great area to live in, we've got a terrific manager in Steve Coppell, and the fans are superb.

"It's not that people aren't happy, but everyone wants to play at the highest level."