CHRIS Gunter admitted it would be disastrous for Reading FC if they fail to keep hold of Jaap Stam beyond the end of the season.

Speculation over Stam's future at Madejski Stadium has been rife in recent weeks after the 44-year-old Dutchman hinted he could depart for pastures new if the ongoing Chinese takeover saga continues to drag on.

The fact Reading are yet to open talks with Stam over extending his contract beyond the end of the 2017/18 season has done little to ease fears over his long-term future either.

But Royals' boss dropped his biggest hint yet he wants to remain in Berkshire recently when he stated he is already looking at strengthening the squad for next season.

And Gunter, 27, said it is vital the Royals keep hold of their manager, who the Welshman firmly believes would be a success at any club in world football.

"It's not just impressive because it's his first job in management," said Gunter. "What he has done for this club is impressive at any time.

"To come in and have the knowledge he does about the teams and the players is really impressive.

"The work he does and the staff, the information we get about the opposition and the little tweaks we have every game, has been consistent the whole way through.

"The consistency of training has been fantastic.

"He would never come and say it himself but every player would say what he's done in such a short time is incredible."

He added: "I'm sure people will be impressed by what happened.

"As a player you try not to think about that.

"If that was to ever happen it wouldn't be very good for us but until that happens you can't think about it.

"I'm sure at some point in his career he can go anywhere because of the respect he has in football.

"He's not going to be at Reading forever."

Stam joined Reading last summer following the departure of Brian McDermott, sparking what many have described as a 'Dutch revolution' in Berkshire.

He completely transformed Royals' style of play, brought in his own backroom team and made sweeping changes to the squad.

And Gunter insisted Stam's influence has been vital in guiding Reading to third place in the Championship table.

"He is consistent in how he goes about his work," continued the Welsh international.

"He creates a constant message and as a player that is fantastic because you know what you are going to get.

"Every single Sunday he has had us in training watching the game and watching clips and learning how to improve.

"When we say we want to improve and get better with this manager he makes sure we actually do it."

Reading had hoped to guarantee a play-off spot last Saturday, only to crash 3-2 at struggling Nottingham Forest.

Stam's men now require one more point from their last two games starting with the visit of relegation-haunted Wigan Athletic this Saturday (3pm ko).