JAAP Stam is happy to delay contract negotiations until the summer.

Royals’ boss will have one more year left on his current deal when this season finishes.

But Reading are yet to make a move to tie down their sought-after manager on a longer contract.

However, Stam, 44, appears in no rush: “I still have another season to go after this one,” he said.

“I don’t think about my contract, I’m just enjoying working with the team and with the club.

“Hopefully we will continue doing well and maybe at the end of the season we can talk about my contract.”

He added: “It’s nice to know that the fans back you and support your work. I really like them, they’ve been really good for us home and away.

“After a bad spell people can soon turn on you, but we’re happy with how things have gone up until now.”

Stam is now the red-hot favourite to become Sky Bet Manager of the Month for January when the winner is announced at 6am tomorrow (Friday).

Royals’ boss has been named in a four-man shortlist along with Paul Lambert (Wolves), Alex Neil (Norwich) and Neil Warnock (Cardiff).

Royals picked up four wins in six games during the month to cement their place in the play-off positions.

The nominations for the January player of the month are Chris Wood (Leeds), Tom Lawrence (Ipswich), Joe Ralls (Cardiff) and David Stockdale (Brighton).

Meanwhile, Reading have confirmed they have opened talks with out-of-contract duo Yann Kermorgant and Danny Williams.