READING FC boss Jaap Stam has cast widespread doubt over his future after admitting he has no idea where he will be next season.

Stam has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League side West Ham United, with current boss Slaven Bilic seemingly under pressure from both fans and the club’s owners.

The Dutchman, who penned a two-year deal in 2016, has excelled in his first full season in management with Royals on the verge of clinching a play-off spot.

However, rumours have surfaced suggesting 44-year-old Stam could be on his way to The London Stadium should Bilic get the sack.

But the former Manchester United ace insists he is happy in Berkshire for the time being.

“I’m aware of it,” asserted Stam, regarding West Ham’s interest.

“That’s what happens, it’s the same with players who are doing well, they get linked with other clubs.

“There have been no discussions about me leaving. I need to focus on finishing the season with Reading and hopefully getting in the top six.

“If it happens next season then it happens next season, but I don’t really want to think about that now.”

He added: “It’s nice that people have recognised me, but I don’t know if it’s definitely true.

“Everyone wants recognition for what they do.

“I want to go as high as I can, but for now I’m thinking about where I am.”

Reading Chronicle:

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.

With West Ham 12th in the Premier League table, Bilic yesterday brushed aside suggestions that his position is under threat.

"I just concentrate on my job," he stressed. "Nothing has changed in the last few days. I am focused on the next game.

"That [speculation] does not worry me. We are in a position where we can have a good finish to the season. But my head is clear and I am totally motivated and focused."

Should Stam remain as Royals’ boss next season, he suggested he will make drastic changes to the squad over the summer.

The club has already tied down Yann Kermorgant, Garath McCleary and Ali Al-Habsi on longer deals, while negotiations with Danny Williams over his contract are progressing well.

Stam continued: “We have a big squad so we are always making choices about which players we take to which game.

“Certain players still need to develop, Joseph Mendes is one of them. He has potential, but he is not there yet.

“Some players you bring in adapt quickly to the system and other players need a bit more time. Sometimes it can take up to a season.”

He added: “We have young players with great potential. We are looking towards next season and getting stronger as a team.

“We’re already working on the squad. Brian (Tevreden) and I talk about the team every week. We talk about the players and how they perform, including the loan players. We know there are players we need to keep and there are players we need to get rid of as well.”

Reading host promotion rivals Leeds United at Madejski Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm ko, live Sky Sports).