ZAMBIA defender, Stoppila Sunzu's pending dream move to English Premiership side, Reading has stalled after an 'obstacle' emerged in his contract situation with TP Mazembe of DR Congo.

Reading are reportedly keen to sign the Chipolopolo star player after he impressed during his four-day trials at the Madejski Stadium earlier this month.

But according to www1.skysports.com, Sunzu's switch now appeared hanging in the balance following some doubts over his contract situation at Mazembe.

While Sunzu believes his Mazembe deal expired in December 2012, the Congolese outfit is claiming the powerful defender was still contracted to the club until 2015.

Sky Sports said a source close to the 23-year-old claimed Sunzu was very upset with the turn of events and could not understand what the hold-up was.

The source said Sunzu felt he was now ready for the next step in his football career by moving to the English Premier League after spending three seasons at Mazembe.

But TP Mazembe boss Moses Katumbi said in a statement that UK media reports stating that Sunzu would sign for Reading as a free agent were very misleading.

Katumbi said Sunzu's five-year contract is still valid until 2015.

"I suspect the people behind those reports are his agents who want to get Sunzu for free by lying that his contract with Mazembe expired last December," Katumbi said.

"The fact is that Sunzu still has a contract with us running up to 2015. We have a copy of the contract here which we can prove to anyone. "It's just a pity that these agents can start confusing the boy. I have spoken with Sunzu about this and even himself knows his contract with us is still valid."

Sunzu, currently with the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, was hoping to finalise the move to Reading this week after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical during his stint in Berkshire last week.

English giants, Arsenal are also reportedly to be in the wings, ready to pounce on the talented Zambian.