JAAP Stam could use his Manchester United ties to bring defender Tyler Blackett to Reading FC this summer.

But the new Royals boss is facing a battle on his hands to keep hold of highly-rated youngster Aaron Tshibola.

Reports emerged this week suggesting Reading have agreed a £2 million fee with Championship rivals Norwich City for the classy 21-year-old midfielder.

Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic have also been linked with Tshibola, who has three years left on his Reading contract.

The Reading Chronicle understands the rumours of Tshibola’s potential move to Carrow Road are nothing more than speculation at this stage.

But the news has angered Reading supporters who do not want to see another key player sold to a rival club in the same division.

Reading could also be tempted to cash in on the former Academy player as the club’s Thai owners attempt to balance the books.

Tshibola burst onto the scene last season, but his progress was curtailed by an ankle problem in October 2015.

His comeback in January also ended in heartache as he suffered a severe hamstring injury during a 4-0 FA Cup win against Walsall.

The hamstring tear was so bad that Tshibola needed an operation which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

He has been working hard on his fitness ever since and he spent most of this summer at the club’s Hogwood Park training ground in a bid to be ready for next season.

Stam has already hinted he is assessing the squad he inherited from Brian McDermott with an open mind.

“You always talk about what’s possible at a club because you want to create something as a manager and bring your own style of play, which means you need certain players,” stated the former Manchester United and Netherlands defender.

“That doesn’t mean you will be buying five or six new players right away, you also have to look within your own squad to see the quality you have.

“If it’s not there then I will need to talk to the owners about maybe buying a couple of new players.”

Royals could also face a battle to keep hold of central midfielders Oliver Norwood and Danny Williams.

Northern Ireland international Norwood was recently linked with a £3 million move to Hull City, while Newcastle United are thought to be keen on USA midfieler Williams.

Reading could also use their new Dutch connections in an attempt to land 30-year-old midfielder Joey van den Berg from Heerenveen.

Van den Berg is currently out of contract and previously worked under Stam at FC Zwolle. Media in Holland suggest FC Twente are also keen to sign him, but sources at Madejski Stadium suggest Reading are closed to completing a deal.

Another player linked with a move to Reading is Manchester United full-back Blackett.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Celtic and United are thought to be willing to sell.

Stam added: “You have to look what’s available in the UK and the physical element you need. There are no better players who can play in the Championship than those already over here.

“If you are looking for a certain type of player who if technically skilful you can always go back to Ajax and ask them for a couple of their players.

“But if you look at the mentality and physical side of playing, I don’t think we need to be looking in Amsterdam at the moment.”

  • READING FC have been drawn at home to League One Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Cup first round. The tie will take place at Madejski Stadium in the week commencing August 8.