READING FC starlet Liam Kelly has emerged as a shock transfer target for Premier League side Swansea City, according to reports.

Kelly, 21, shone under Jaap Stam during Royals’ stellar season having emerged through the club’s academy system.

And Dutchman Stam recently stated he feared top-flight clubs would be chasing Kelly’s signature over the summer should Reading fail in their bid to return to the Premier League.

Royals unfortunately stumbled at the final hurdle following a cruel penalty shootout defeat to Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Now Kelly is understood to be on the Swans’ summer wish list as manager Paul Clement looks for a Leon Britton replacement.

But Stam insisted it is vital for the Royals to keep hold of their key players as they look to improve on last season’s third place finish in the upcoming campaign.

“We need to have a look at what we can do,” he asserted.

“We don’t want to lose our best players, maybe we need to say to certain players they need to leave so we can bring other players into the squad so we can be more competitive.”

The Dutchman knows that top-flight clubs will be looking at his players however.

He added: "I do worry about teams coming in for players.

"If you want to make steps as a club then you don't want to sell your best players.

"But if you do sell them you have to think if you can buy other players back. Maybe not with the same quality, but with lots of potential."