READING FC boss Jaap Stam accepts he will continue to be linked with Dutch players after denying all interest in Ajax starlet Ezra Walian.

Reports in Holland recently claimed the 19-year-old forward had been offered a contract by the Royals.

But Stam insisted nothing could be further from the truth, blaming media back in homeland for concocting the story.

He told the Chronicle: “Everyone in Holland thinks that because a couple of Dutch guys are on the training staff over here they can mention every player has an opportunity to come to England.

“I saw him say in the press that he had a contract with us, but he never did. We never even spoke to him about wanting to bring him over here.

“The fact is, do we need an Ajax second-team player to make us better as we go towards the Premier League? I don't think so.”

Reading Chronicle:

Ajax youngster, Ezra Walian, claimed he had been offered a contract by Reading FC.

 

Walian, who represents the Indonesian national team, has made 17 appearances for the Jong Ajax development squad this season, scoring three goals.

He made his international debut in a friendly match against Mayanmar on March 21 and has also represented Holland at under 19 level.

But Stam added: “You know how it works. If a players wants a contract he uses a club's name to get interest from other teams. They say 'hey, I can go over there,' so his club maybe offers him a new contract.

“It's a game played by agents as well. But we are really looking for players who can make us better.”

Stam also confirmed he is already looking at summer transfer targets to bolster his promotion-chasing Royals side despite the club's ongoing takeover saga.

“We're still looking in players and now we need to start thinking about players for next season,” revealed Stam.

“We want to build, expand and be competitive so we still need to look at other players.

“As long as I'm here – and there is no reason for me to leave – then we will still work towards next season.”

Reading hope to bounce back from last weekend's 7-1 defeat at Norwich City when they travel to in-form Aston Villa tomorrow (3pm ko).