READING FC midfielder Danny Williams dropped his biggest hint yet that he wants to remain a Royal next season after sealing a spot in the play-off final.
Williams, whose four-year deal runs out next month, has made it no secret that his life-long ambition is to play in the Premier League.
But with Jaap Stam’s side now just one win away from a spot in the top-flight, Williams admitted his “number one dream” is to play in the Premiership with the Royals.
Technical director Brian Tevreden has been in talks with Williams and his representatives for months over a new contract, but the USA international is yet to put pen to paper.
Speaking after the thrilling 1-0 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night, Williams stated: “I’ve always said I want to play in the Premier League.
“People always say I’m leaving every transfer window. I’m not going to lie I have had offers (in the past) but I came here and signed a four year deal for a reason.
“It’s not just words, I know what I have at this club, I think the fans know what I give to the club.
“It’s not just a phrase, I’m happy here and I’ve settled well. The fans have welcomed me since day one.
“I always said I have dreamed of going up with Reading, that’s my number one dream and now we are so close.”
Danny Williams picks a pass in the 1-1 draw with Fulham in the Championship play-off semi final first leg.
When asked if Tuesday was likely to be his final appearance at Madejski Stadium, he added: “Of course not, I’ve said before I don’t want to talk about personal things.
“I want to focus on the season, I want things to end positively and then we will see what happens.”
Reading were once again written off by bookmakers and the national press in the build-up to Tuesday’s match, with Fulham touted as favourites to secure a spot at Wembley.
But Royals proved critics wrong after Yann Kermorgant crashed home a penalty to secure Reading’s place in the play-off final on Monday, May 29.
And Williams added: “People will write us off in the final again. People seem to think the other teams are like Barcelona and we are Reading.
“If they want to do that then I’m happy with that.
“I’m sure we won’t be underestimated in the final but it’s good when the odds are against us because we can prove the whole country wrong.”
- Gey your copy of the Chronicle today for the best coverage of Royals in the play-offs.
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