HE may be unknown in these parts – but Pelle Clement's move to Reading FC looks anything but a gamble by boss Jaap Stam.

The versatile 21-year-old Ajax midfielder jetted in yesterday morning, signed a three-year contract at Madejski Stadium then flew back to Holland last night.

He is due to return tomorrow when he will hook up with Reading's first-team squad who reported back for pre-season training on Monday.

But while Stam's first signing of the summer may appear a little left field, Royals boss knows exactly what he is getting for his money.

Clement, who is understood to have cost around £600,000, progressed through the ranks at Jong Ajax – essentially their development side – while Stam, current Reading assistant boss Andries Ulderink and first-team coach Said Bakkati were in charge.

The Amsterdam-born youngster explained: "The coaches were my trainers at Jong Ajax for a time and I really enjoyed working with them all.

“I am really looking forward to being reunited with them and to another great season playing for them.

"Jaap has told me about the club and the division. As a player, he knows me better than I know myself.

“I trust him and I trust the coaches, so I felt this was an amazing opportunity to take.

“It was very important for me to start to get into a first team - it was a great moment to make my debut in the Dutch league and in the Europa League last season, and playing in the ArenA was incredible. But I felt I had to take a new step."

With a large Dutch influence already at Madejski Stadium, it is little wonder Clement has settled in quickly.

As well as his former Jong Ajax coaches, Clement will share a dressing room with Joey van den Berg, Roy Beerens and Danzell Gravenberch, though the latter could be on his way to Belgium on loan.

"For me, everything is very new,” he stated. “I have played for Ajax since the age of 11, so I’ve never done this before.

“I’m really happy I’m here, the people have been extremely helpful and it already feels like home. I can’t wait to get started.”

Reading Chronicle:

The 21-year-old Dutch midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Royals this week. Pictures: Jason Dawson/jasonpix

Clement will also be heading back to his homeland next month when Reading spend 10 days in Holland on pre-season tour before taking on Vitesse Arnhem in a friendly at Wycombe's Adams Park on July 29.

“I'm looking forward to a few very busy weeks,” he added. "It’s home from home. It’s a bit strange that we go to Arnhem on a training camp and then play Vitesse back here.

"But it’s a good club and I’m looking forward to that match. I know a few of the guys over there so it will be fun.”

The capture of Clement on a three-year deal almost certainly means the end of the road for Danny Williams after the 29-year-old rejected a new contract at Madejski Stadium and is now a free agent amid strong interest from Premier League newboys, Huddersfield Town.

Clement can play in a variety of roles, though it appears his instincts are more attacking than defensive.

"I’m an offensive midfielder and I can play right across the midfield, but I can play as a winger as well,” he explained. “My last few games at Ajax I played as a left winger with a free offensive role.

“I don’t know what plans the manager has for me, but I will do my best wherever I am asked to start.

"I had a chat with the manager and he told me his plans. We spoke about football in general, what my position could be in the team. For me that was important because Jaap knows my qualities, what I can and can’t do, and he wants me here.”

Clement grew up in the Ajax Academy and, after 54 appearances for Jong Ajax, he made his senior club debut last season, playing in the Eredivise and the KNVB Cup.

He also came off the bench in a 2-0 win over Panathinaikos in the Europa League as they marched into the final before losing to Manchester United.

Reading Chronicle:

Danzell Gravenberch looks set for a loan move from Royals.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour Gravenberch looks set to join Belgian side KSV Roeselare on loan, while Vitória de Guimarães want to take Paolo Hurtado back to Portugal for a third loan spell.

Royals have joined the race to sign Ghanaian international full-back Andy Yiadom from Barnsley.

Stam is keen on strengthening his options at right-back for next season and has already been linked for moves for Derby County's Cyrus Christie and Celtic's Saidy Janko.

But Stam could now make a move for 25-year-old Yiadom, who joined Barnsley FC on a free transfer last summer and has been valued at around £1.5 million.