Reading offer new deals to 11 but release six

Reading have only six first-team players under contract for next season

Reading have offered new deals to 11 out-of-contract first-team players to extend their stay at the SCL Stadium.

The Royals have also released six senior players, meaning the club only has six first-teamers currently under contract.

New owner Rob Couhig completed his takeover of the club this week, just days after Reading missed out on a place in the League One play-offs.

The players currently under contract in Noel Hunt's squad are Kelvin Abrefa, Ben Elliott, Harvey Knibbs, Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing, while Reading have activated a one-year extension option for Mamadi Camara.

The 11 players offered new deals are Michael Craig, Jeriel Dorsett, Kelvin Ehibatiomhan, Abraham Kanu, Amadou Mbengue, Joel Pereira, Tivonge Rushesha, Michael Stickland, Basil Tuma, Jayden Wareham and Andy Yiadom.

Meanwhile, Adrian Akande, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, David Button, Tom Carroll, Harlee Dean and Louie Holzman have been released.

Securing out-of-contract players 'essential' - analysis

BBC Radio Berkshire's Reading commentator Tim Dellor:

It says everything you need to know about the previous owner's shambolic tenure that only six senior first-team players remain under contract into next season.

The negotiations with players whose contracts are expiring this summer are all the more important.

From 33-year-old club captain Andy Yiadom to 19-year-old Abraham Kanu, and everyone in between, securing their services is essential if the momentum gathered on the pitch under Noel Hunt is to continue into next season.

Fans will be especially keen to see favourites Amadou Mbengue and Joel Pereira sign on.

Eleven first-team players are now negotiating with the club, which makes it a busy few weeks for chairman Rob Couhig, the club management, and player agents.

Having run their contracts down, some players may be eyeing up the opportunity to move on, and with it pocket a hefty signing-on fee.

With the renewed optimism around the place though, they might just regret turning their back on Reading next season.

Leaving now may be akin to furiously cooking and cleaning for days ahead of a house party, but then going out just as the first guests arrive, leaving them to have the fun without you.

Just ask ex-manager Ruben Selles.