Yakou Meite has been a very important figure for Reading over the past season.

Since joining from PSG, the French forward has appeared for Reading quite frequently. During a loan at French side Sochaux FC in the 2017/18 season, he was a regular starter and played well, leading to a successful 2018/19 season with the Royals.

During the last campaign, Meite notched 12 goals, bagging a number of braces in games, including matches against Ipswich Town and Brentford at the Madejski Stadium.

According to reports in Italy, Sampdoria are interested in the Royals’ striker, Yakou Meite.

It is understood that Reading would like to keep hold of the Frenchman this summer and are likely to reject any bids that are not ridiculously high.

Here are three reasons why Reading are right to stand their ground against any clubs who want to take Meite away from the Madejski Stadium....

His goals

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson's injury woes throughout the 2018/19 season caused a lot of Reading fans to be pessimistic, as the Icelander had a great scoring to playing minutes ratio, when he played for the club.

However, Meite stepped up to the plate last season and delivered the vital goals needed to keep the Berkshire side afloat in the Championship.

One of his most important goals came at the Madejski Stadium, which proved to be a vital last-minute winner against fellow relegation rivals Wigan Athletic.

Without his goals, Reading could be in the third tier of English football right now. That's how important he's been to the side.

He's scored a mixture of poachers goals as well as headed efforts, and one incredible bicycle kick against Ipswich Town.

His popularity

From his videos on social media, Meite seems like one of the more popular members of the Reading squad and it could cause damage to squad morale if he does leave the club.

We need the same squad unity that was on show in the second half of last season if we are to survive in the Championship again next season.

Not only is he popular with the players, but he's also very popular with the fans with his interaction and posts on social media. There's no doubt that numerous supporters will get a Reading shirt with Meite's name and number on the back.

His bond with Modou Barrow is clear for all to see. The pair on either wings could form a formidable force for the Royals in the upcoming season if manager Gomes decides to set the first eleven up in that particular way.

His versatility

Meite came to Reading from PSG's youth academy in the summer of 2016 as a winger.

However, he's equipped with all the skills he needs to be a striker, a position he played a lot during last season.

With the Frenchman in the squad, he also has the pace to be a winger, which gives the Royals several tactical options whilst he's on the pitch.

He looked especially quick in the buildup to a penalty which he took against Gibraltar United on Wednesday.

Reading's squad depth is very thin already at this moment in time. If Meite does depart, it leaves Gomes with further squad selection problems in both the wing area and the striking department.

It's so important that Reading hold on to him.