Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic has spoken on the state of contract negotiations with Tom McIntyre and Omar Richards.

The duo are out of contract in the Summer with the manager previously stating his hopes to build a side around young stars such as McIntyre and Richards in the coming seasons.

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Giving an update into the state of the negotiations, Paunovic said: "I spoke previously with Omar Richards and Tom McIntyre and my desire for them to stay and extend our cooperation for more years.

"This week I was informed there were meeting between the club and we're looking to finish this transfer window and after that proceed to negations to extend our professional relationship for many more years."

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Paunovic also spoke on the possibility of any players departing before the end of the January transfer window.

"We have to be very protective with the group we have.

We haven't had any enquiries so far but anything can happen - you never know when somebody might pull the trigger form the there side.

"But we will be ready for that and I think at this point from the performances in training I don't see anyone who has lost the commitment."