Reading are looking to break the mould after two poor seasons, finishing lower mid-table in the Championship.

The arrival of Jaap Stam has injected a bit of hope in the veins of the club, with a relative air of mystery about what's to come from the former Manchester United centre half, who joined the Royals as manager on a two-year deal.

A major overhaul is needed within the squad, even though the club attempted a rebuild last season but did it poorly after bringing in six players on loan, and more permanent deals are needed this summer if the club have any hope of pushing upwards.

There are a few players within the side that have a place at the club next season, and could star in any push up the table that may occur next year, despite the need for heavy changes in personnel.

Here are the FOUR key players for Reading next season......

 

Paul McShane

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Paul McShane joined the Royals last summer from Hull City, after being released by the Yorkshire based club following their relegation from the Premier League, and a falling out with manager Steve Bruce.

He signed a two year deal and following Jem Karacan's departure from the club he was appointed captain of the club, and took to his role extremely well.

He's shown little weakness at the back despite a relatively poor defensive record for the Royals last year, and in my opinion was the player of the season, after an extremely solid campaign.

He'll be key for Reading next year.

Deniss Rakels

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The Latvian striker joined the Royals from Cracovia in Poland in January and made a real impression with the fans in a handful of appearances since the turn of the year.

The 23-year-old scored three goals and seems to be a tricky little forward to deal with.

He's speedy, and a smart player as well, able to manipulate defences pretty well.

With very little options up front for Reading, Rakels seems the biggest threat going forward for the club and looks to be a key player for them next year.

Aaron Tshibola

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The 21-year-old is at the centre of a bidding war at the moment with numerous Championship and Premier League sides striking up an interest in the young midfielder, who broke into the first team last year.

When Reading were pushing for the Premier League last season (for about two months), Tshibola was fit and in the team, and at the heart of all our success, and seems to have an enormous future... if we can keep him.

I reckon if we have any success next season, Tshibola will be at the heart of it. He's a fine, fine player.

Oliver Norwood

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Another midfield man for Reading, Norwood is currently in France with Northern Ireland, showing off his fine playmaking skills, especially with his superb assist against Poland for Gareth McAuley's goal.

Norwood's only problem is consistency issues, he almost always performs excellently during the first half of the season, which then makes a dramatic decline after the turn of the year.

Reading may face a battle to keep him this summer, with a number of sides eyeing him up, but he is certainly a force to be reckoned with in midfield.

Reading fans... What do you make of this? Do you agree that these players are key? How high will you finish next year? Let us know in the comments below!