JAAP Stam has left the door open for Reading FC forgotten-man Paolo Hurtado.

The Royals flop made just five first-team appearances before he was farmed out on loan to Portuguese side Guimaraes in January 2016.

His future at Madejski Stadium looked even bleaker when he extended his loan last summer for the current campaign.

But the 26-year-old Peruvian is now a key player in the Portuguese top-flight, making 22 appearances for fourth-placed Guimaraes this season.

He has also netted three times and scored in a 1-0 win against Moreirense last Friday.

It seems Hurtado’s form has made Stam take notice, though the Dutchman suggested he is unable to return to Reading at this stage due to the conditions of his loan deal.

“From what I’ve heard he can’t come over here yet,” he explained. “I need to talk to Brian (Tevreden, director of football) to find out the situation.

“He’s been out on loan for a season. If it was possible to bring him back we would have done that, but it isn’t possible at the moment which is why he’s still out there.”

Former Royals boss Steve Clarke signed Hurtado from another Portuguese side, Pacos de Ferreira, in August 2015 for around £1m.

Meanwhile, Stam confirmed that contract talks with Danny Williams have been stepped up.

The 27-year-old USA international will become a free agent this summer unless he pens a new deal.

“I spoke to Brian on Wednesday and they will be having talks soon,” added Stam.

“I don’t know the outcome but we need to talk to Danny about our intentions and also his. Then we can see where that leads.”

Reading face back-to-back home games in the coming week with Wolves set to visit this Saturday (3pm) followed by leaders Newcastle United next Tuesday (8pm).