JAAP Stam is in the perfect place to develop as a manager with Reading FC.

Stam's stock has risen dramatically since taking up his first job in England last summer and guiding Royals to third in the Championship table.

But he will have only one more year to run on his two-year contract at the end of this season, putting potential suitors on red alert.

Stam has already voiced concern that his position could be under threat if the current Chinese takeover goes through and the new owners want to bring in a manager of their own.

Royals have no intention of thrashing out a new deal with Stam until the current campaign has finished.

But director of football, Brian Tevreden insists his fellow Dutchman is settled at Madejski Stadium and likes the working environment.

“Jaap is a person who likes structure, and I am the same,” stated Tevreden. “If you go to another club you do not know if that structure is there.

“You could go somewhere, not perform, and you are out five minutes later.

“Jaap is not a person who would change clubs easily, nor am I. The communication here is perfect, we discuss a lot of things.

“I know Jaap very well and, like me, he focuses on football. His contract is something for later, we will talk about that at the end of the season.”

While it may have taken Reading fans a little time to warm to Stam’s possession-based football, Tevreden believes they are now firmly behind the team.

“It gives me a good feeling to see the way we are performing and the fans get excited and enthusiastic again,” he added.

“I remember the start of the season and all the booing and that stuff because we had changed our philosophy.

“But now they back our team and I love to see that.”

Meanwhile, Tevreden confirmed Royals have open talks with a number players whose contracts are set to expire this summer including midfielder Danny Williams and striker Yann Kermorgant.

USA international Williams has been linked with several Premier League and Championship clubs including Swansea City.

But Tevreden suggests talks with the players' agents are going smoothly.

“We're talking to a few players in general about their contracts,” he explained. “It's ongoing, so we will see what happens.”

Reading have tied down a number of other players on long-term contracts in recent weeks with top scorer Garath McCleary, goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi and promising midfielder Liam Kelly all penning new deals.