Former Reading FC player Lawrie Sanchez has urged prodigious young talent Michael Olise to remain at the club next season.

Olise has one year remaining on his contract and has earned plaudits from across the country for his stellar performances for Veljko Paunovic's side last season.

The midfielder managed to find the back of the net on seven occasions as well as laying on 12 assists over the course of his 44 appearances in the 2020/21 campaign.

The 19-year-old was recognised for his performances by being named as the EFL Young Player of the Season, as well as earning a spot in the EA Sports Championship Team of the Year.

His displays have attracted attention from a host of clubs both domestically and internationally, with Arsenal, Leeds United and Lille all reportedly among the interested parties.

But former Royals midfielder Sanchez, who played 261 times for the club, said this week that he believes Olise's development would be better at the Madejski Stadium next season.

Sanchez told Football League World: "“I read somewhere there’s an £8 million release clause.

"I am sure clubs will offer that this year for him I’ve no doubt.

“For me another year at Reading wouldn’t do him any harm.

"They almost got into the play-offs this year and it helped him develop and another year of development is not a bad thing.”