Reading forward, Yakou Meite has been linked with a move to Italian side, Sampdoria according to Gazzetta dello Sport, via a report from Sports Witness. 

But journalist, Courtney Friday has revealed that Reading are not considering selling the Ivorian before the new season gets underway in August and see him as a key member of their squad.

In our latest Six Pointer, we look into this potential deal in more detail.

Firstly, how did Meite perform for the Royals last season? 

"He made 37 appearances for the Royals in last year's league campaign in his debut season in English football.

"Meite scored 12 goals as well, so it's clear to see that he's adjusted well to the demands of the Championship, with his good form seemingly not going unnoticed.

"He'll be hoping to take these impressive performances into next season, as Reading look to improve on their 20th place finish last term."

How much should Reading be looking at selling him for? 

"Meite is a key player for Reading, so they won't be wanting to sell him at all.

"If they were to even consider moving him on, then you have to feel as though they'll be looking at a fee in the region of £5m at the very least.

"He's still only 23, and has shown real quality in front of goal for the Royals, so it's clear to see that he's got a bright future ahead of him.

"I would be stunned if the Royals were willing to sell him over the summer."

Will they be in a position to keep hold of the Ivorian? 

"Even though Reading need to trim the wage bill ahead of the new season, they won't be wanting to sell Meite anytime soon, that's for sure.

"Meite was key to their promising performances towards the end of last year's league campaign, and he scored some crucial goals as they retained their status as a Championship club.

"He's the type of player that Jose Gomes should be looking at building his squad around next season, and there are plenty of other players that the Reading boss will be keen to move on before even considering selling Meite."

What will be going through Meite's head after this latest rumour? 

"He'll surely be wanting to give it another season with Reading at least.

"Meite has really impressed me since he returned from his loan spell in France, and he's showing that he has a bright future ahead of him.

"He wasn't at his best in last year's campaign, but that is understandable given that it was his first full season in English football."

Would he be better of staying with Reading or moving to Sampdoria?

"In my opinion, his development is best served at Reading for one more season.

"His style of play suits the English game as he offers pace and power going forward, which causes opposition defences real problems.

"Meite is still a raw talent, that hasn't reached his best yet, but I think a move to the Italian top-flight would be too soon for the striker."

How will Reading fans feel about his rumoured exit? 

"They'll be fearing the worst.

"Meite was key to their Championship survival last season, and the Madejski Stadium will be hoping that the club can reject any approach that comes their way for the Ivorian.

"He's been excellent for them since coming into the starting XI, and Reading could be in serious trouble next season if the club did choose to sell him before the new season gets underway."