Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic made it clear that he wants to keep much sought after duo John Swift and Tom Holmes.

Both players have been linked with moves away from the Select Car Leasing Stadium this month, Swift to the Premier League where Leeds United and West Ham are reportedly interested and Tom Holmes to Nottingham Forest who have a long-standing interest in the defender.

Swift and Holmes are both out of contract in the summer making this the last transfer window in which Reading could earn a fee for them before they're free to leave in July.

Paunovic has previously confirmed that the club has been in talks with Holmes about a new contract but declined to comment on how those talks have gone.

Reading Chronicle: Star midfielder John Swift has been linked with a move to Leeds or West Ham. Image by: JasonPIXStar midfielder John Swift has been linked with a move to Leeds or West Ham. Image by: JasonPIX

"We want to keep them both," the Serbian manager said in his press conference ahead of Reading's clash with Kidderminster Harriers this weekend. "It’s good to hear actually those rumours that these players have value but so far we are good with them, we don’t want distractions, we don’t want to distract them with that.

"I think they show good performances and commitment to the club and as long as that doesn’t change nothing’s going to change on our end. We definitely need both of them in the best possible shape."

Swift and Holmes are two of ten players from Reading's starting XI in their 2-2 draw with Derby who are out of contract in the summer. Paunovic explained that he and the club have not given up on agreeing to new deals for those they want to keep.

"I do speak with them and reassure them and try to always look positive," he said. "We would love those we want to extend and continue to work together…I’m looking to reassure them that it is the same and we are doing the best we can to put something down.

"This month is very important. We haven’t given up on any of them, when we were ready to go to them with some proposals we went, not always maybe what they expected, but conversations are ongoing and we’re looking to improve our situation in this transfer window - with guys we have, to extend contracts and looking to improve our team. That’s something we’ve been doing so far. But my biggest work right now is assuring the players."