READING FC boss Paul Clement insisted Royals do not need to make drastic changes to their squad this summer despite a disappointing campaign.

The newly-appointed manager said he wants to see more balance within the squad and suggested Royals have too many forwards for his liking.

The likes of Joseph Mendes will see his contract expire at the end of the season while the future of goalkeeper Anssi Jaakola also remains in doubt.

Meanwhile, players like George Evans, Callum Harriott, Tyler Blackett and Yann Kermorgant are fast approaching the final year of their deals.

And while Clement refused to be drawn on whether there are any new contracts in the pipeline, the 47-year-old admitted certain players' time in Berkshire is over.

"Everybody needs competition, they might not always like it.

"The balance of this squad needs to be addressed so that there is even competition.

"Right back is an example where we have one senior player (Chris Gunter) and someone (Tennai Watson) who has been out for a while and hasn't been around to push that player.

"We have five strikers and sometimes we only play with one, so we are probably too heavy in that position.

"There will be some movement but it won't be a massive overhaul.

"The club has tried to construct a squad that will be competitive at this level and last year it was very competitive."

Reading have already been linked with a swoop for Barnsley's Tom Bradshaw, but Clement quickly rubbished the rumour.

He also announced that Stephen Quinn, who has made one appearance during an injury-plagued two years, is looking at options outside of football.

Clement continued: "Things haven't gone well this season but that's not a reason to get everybody out and have a massive change again.

"We need to address the balance issues a little bit and any changes we make really need to be starting players.

"We're looking to improve at the top end in terms of quality."

Royals brought in Chris Martin and Tommy Elphick on loan in January.

While Martin has failed to live up to the expectations set by supporters, Villa defender Elphick has endured an injury-hampered spell in Berkshire.

But the centre-back is set to make a return to first-team football when Royals entertain managerless Ipswich Town on Saturday (3pm ko).

It is understood that Reading have an option in place to bring Elphick to Madejski Stadium on a permanent deal and Clement could activate the clause in the summer.