A lot of Reading FC fans will be surprised that manager Jaap Stam remains in charge at the Madejski Stadium.

The Dutchman led the Royals to within a penalty shoot out victory of the Premier League in May, succumbing to a heartbreaking Wembley defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town who secured their promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

The Berkshire-based side defied all odds to reach the Wembley showpiece, and their league position this term has proven Stam’s doubters right, with the club now looking over their shoulders at the chasing relegation pack.

Demotion is becoming a real possibility in the midst of the club’s abysmal run, and Stam will know that he has a huge task on his hands in the summer if he is to assemble a squad capable of challenging for a play-off spot once again, should the club remain in the second tier this term.

This could be just the start of the Dutchman’s summer overhaul…

The 26-year-old has struggled with injuries since his arrival at the club in 2016, making just a handful of appearances this term as a series of setbacks have blighted his season.

Arriving from French second tier side Le Havre where he scored goals but was never prolific, the Frenchman may find his spell in English football is coming to an end before it has even started, and Stam will surely have reservations about maintaining the status of such an injury prone player in his side.

If the player was touted to other clubs and a bid came in, then Stam would be foolish not take to it, despite Mendes showing rare glimpses of ability when fit and available to play.

The Liverpool academy graduate linked up with current side Crystal Palace in 2014 following six years as a pro at Anfield, but with his contract coming to an end in the summer, there have been no suggestions from manager Roy Hodgson that a new deal is forthcoming.

Dropping to the Championship would be a big move for Kelly, especially to a side that had struggled the year before, but Reading have proven that they can compete towards the top of the division following their trip to Wembley last season.

A large stadium and a proximity to London, this side should attract a lot of top quality players and has the real potential to become a solid top flight club with the right backing, and convincing player’s of Kelly’s ilk to join would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Aluko on one wing, Ameobi on the other; now that would be a duo to get the Madejski crowd off their feet.

The 25-year-old has been in exceptional form for Bolton Wanderers this season, and with his contract set to expire in the summer, there will be a real scramble for his signature when he eventually goes on the market.

Reading have an excellent chance of nabbing the player if they can convince him of their promotion ambitions, something the club certainly have under Stam despite their abysmal form this term.

Ameobi would fit in well in Berkshire, with his pace and unpredictability sure to be complimented by the playmaking abilities of the likes of Dave Edwards and John Swift.

Stam should look to snap him up early to avoid a tug-of-war for the former Newcastle United man.

Royals fans, let us know your thoughts!