JAAP Stam has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract with Reading FC.

As the Reading Chronicle revealed several weeks ago, Stam was all set to pen a new deal when he returned from his summer break.

And with his squad now back in pre-season training, Stam has finally put pen to paper and committed himself to the club until at least summer 2019.

In a further boost for Royals, Stam's assistant Andries Ulderink and first-team coach Said Bakkati, both of whom worked with him at Ajax, have also agreed new deals.

The news will be greeted with widespread approval from Reading fans after Stam led the club to the Championship play-off final last season during an incredibly successful first year in management.

The 44-year-old Dutchman was soon the focus of interest from Premier League Southampton and Championship rivals Leeds United during the close-season.

But the ex-Manchester United and Netherlands defender has now committed his future to the Royals.

He shook on a new deal at Hogwood Park this afternoon in the presence of Dai Yongee who bought a majority share of the club from the former Thai owners along with sister, Dai Xiu Li.

The Chinese businessman stated: “My sister and I are absolutely delighted that Jaap Stam has agreed to sign a new contract at Reading Football Club.

“We will support Jaap in helping him to build a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the Championship again in 2017-18 and that support will continue throughout the season as we look forward to the challenge of a brand new season.”

Reading Chronicle:

(L-R): Andries Ulderink, Jaap Stam and Said Bakkati have signed new contracts with Reading FC.

Royals director of football, Brian Tevreden, added: "I am thrilled that Jaap has signed this new deal. Importantly his presence provides consistency at this football club and his leadership is invaluable going into the new Championship season.

“On a personal note, I enjoy working alongside him and his team - and he fully deserves this new contract."

Reading chief executive Nigel Howe declared: “Jaap, Andries and Said signing new contracts is momentous for this football club and a clear demonstration that Reading is a great place to be right now.

“Akin to the manager, we are a club with fierce ambition and his commitment to the cause offers us the continuity we need to build on last season’s undoubted successes, shape our future with stability, drive and focus and aspire to achieve even more in 2017-18. I’m delighted we have secured his signature.”