ROYSTON Drenthe has claimed on social media he is poised to leave Reading FC.

The enigmatic Dutchman says he has been forced to train with the club’s Under 21s side after being left out of the first-team squad which is spending four days at Champneys in the Midlands.

The 27-year-old ex-Real Madrid star has struggled to hold down a regular place in Reading’s starting line-up and is one of the highest earners at the club.

He broke the news about his likely departure on Instagram when he replied to a fan by stating: “I want to stay but I have to leave.”

He also suggested his agent had been told Reading “can have 4 new players” for the cost of his wages,

Drenthe joined Royals from Russian club Alania Vladikavkaz last summer in a move believed to have been instigated by Anton Zingarevich, whose takeover of the club subsequently failed.

He signed a two-year deal but started only 17 games under Royals boss Nigel Adkins, with a further seven from the bench, and scored against Brighton and Leeds United.

It now seems Adkins feels Drenthe’s wages could be better spent elsewhere, though any transfers are unlikely to go ahead while Samrit Bunditkitsada is undergoing Football League’s Owners and Director’s Test.

The 39-year-old Thai billionaire has agreed in principle to buy 90% of the club for £25 million from Royals chairman Sir John Madejski, pending the outcome of the league’s investigation.

Meanwhile, three more young Royals prospects signed new contracts earlier today.

Promising goalkeeper Dan Lincoln, who is also a talented cricketer, put pen to paper on a new deal along with England U18 centre-back Rob Dickie and Scotland youth international George McLennan.

They follow Dominic Samuel, Stuart Moore, Shane Griffin, Sean Long and Nana Owusu, who all put pen to paper earlier this week.

READING’S Championship fixture at Cardiff City has been moved to Friday, November 21 (7.45pm ko) due to Wales’ rugby autumn internationals.