JAAP Stam has boosted his Reading FC strikeforce with the signing of young Paris Saint-Germain forward Yakou Meite.

The 20-year-old striker signed a three-year deal this afternoon, but is unlikely to feature in tonight's friendly against AFC Bournemouth at Madejski Stadium.

Paris-born Meite, who becomes Stam's seventh signing this summer, can play out wide or in a central attacking role.

He completed a medial at Reading yesterday and is likely to be added to the Royals' squad for their Championship curtain-raiser at home to Preston North End a week on Saturday.

And Stam believes the left-footed Ivory Coast U20 international will be an important addition to his squad.

"He's a young player of course, a winger who can play on the left or right side or maybe even in a central role as a striker," explained Stam.

"He has a great left foot, good technique, good physique, pace - all together he is a promising young player.

"He comes from a big team in Europe in Paris Saint-Germain and we are hopeful he can be a good player for us going forward."

Meite joined PSG at the age of 13 and progressed through the Academy system. He reached the final of UEFA Youth League with the Ligue 1 giants last season.

Meite scored against both Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo FF in the group stages, then bagged another against AS Roma in the quarter-finals before finding the net in the final – an equaliser against eventual 2-1 winners Chelsea.

Only nine days before that tournament started, Meite had made his professional debut for Laurent Blanc’s side, coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over Guingamp to play a small part in what was a domestic treble-winning season for PSG last season.

Yakou is eligible to play for the Ivory Coast through his parents and he first represented the Elephants at Under-17 level, picked to take part in the U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2013.

Meite was linked with moves to a number of top flight teams in England this summer, but Reading won the race for his signature.

He will wear the number 19 shirt.

Royals chief executive, Nigel Howe said: “I am excited to welcome Yakou to Madejski Stadium, a young, talented player who has already achieved a great deal in the game despite his tender age.

"I am pleased we won a competitive race to secure his signature and I look forward to seeing him represent the Royals.”