PAUL Clement will use his extensive range of contacts to help strengthen his Reading FC squad this summer.

The 47-year-old, who has strong links to Premier League giants Chelsea, Spanish side Real Madrid and German outfit Bayern Munich, was set to discuss this summer’s transfer budget with the club’s hierarchy this week.

And while Clement confessed some players will be shown the exit door in order to trim down the squad, he also told the Chronicle he wants to bring in fresh blood.

Royals have already been linked with a loan swoop for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, who spent last season on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem where he was voted their Player of the Year.

He has reportedly harboured interest from several clubs across Europe but Clement, who worked as assistant manager to Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, could try to convince the starlet to continue his development at Madejski Stadium.

When asked whether he would reach out to any of his footballing peers, Clement replied: “In football, you use all the links that you have.

“Whether that’s with managers, agents or players themselves you’ve worked with over the years, you use all the different options to try and do the best you can.”

Midfielder Mount, 19, has been a mainstay in Vitesse’s side, making 29 league appearances, scoring nine goals. The Portsmouth-born midfielder, 19, is reportedly a target for Portuguese Giants Sporting Lisbon as well as Dutch sides Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.

But Clement insisted he will have no trouble in attracting players to Madejski Stadium when the transfer window opens on May 17.

“A couple of seasons ago Reading came so close to promotion,” he asserted. “I don’t think it will be hard to convince players to come here.

“Reading is a good football club, it’s well situated, the stadium is good and we are moving to a new training ground soon.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of this club.”

Reading avoided relegation to League 1 with a 0-0 draw at promoted Cardiff City on the last day of the season.

Royals finished 20th in the table and three points above the drop zone after winning just 10 of their 46 Championship games.

Clement is set for talks with the club’s Chinese owners this week when he will be told what transfer funds are available.

Royals’ boss has also been linked with out-of-favour Swansea defender, Kyle Bartley, and he could try and turn Aston Villa centre-back Tommy Elphick’s loan deal into a permanent one.

And Clement hinted any new additions will have to fit in with the attacking brand of football he wants to introduce next season.

“I’m reflecting on what I’ve noticed from the last eight games from the squad and the playing staff,” he added.

“We want to bring in the right kind of quality and establish an offensive style of play here.

“I have ideas, but it can be more difficult to make ideas a reality. The easier part can be identifying players, the tougher part is recruiting them and whether they want to come and be a part of what we are doing.

“We have to look at whether it works out financially, but we will be working hard to make sure we get some decent additions for the squad.

“(Conversations with the owners) will be happening in the next couple of days. They left me to focus on preparing for games and getting results.

“Now we know we’re in the Championship we can start talking about plans for next season.”