READING FC boss Brian McDermott has hinted he has the full backing of the club's Thai owners heading into the summer transfer market, writes Anthony Smith.

McDermott is bracing himself for a busy off-season that is likely to see a large number of comings and goings at Madejski Stadium.

Six loan players – Michael Hector, Matej Vydra, Andrew Taylor, Ola John, Lucas Piazon and Alex Fernandez – are due to return to their parent clubs.

In addition, senior players Anton Ferdinand and Hal Robson-Kanu will also be out of contract this summer and are yet to open talks over a new deal.

Wales international Robson-Kanu has also been strongly linked with a free transfer to Swansea City when he returns from the European Championships.

As a result, McDermott will have his work cut out in the coming months as he tries to assemble a squad capable of challenging for promotion in the 2016/17 season.

And it appears he has the full support of Reading's Thai owners following talks with 25% stakeholder Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth – known as 'Tiger' – this week.

“I had a really good meeting with Tiger on Wednesday,” explained McDermott.

“We had a good conversation. He's a good guy and we get on well.

“He watched the game against Hull then flew back the next day.

“He was very supportive and it was a good conversation and very encouraging.”

He added: “We understand where we're and the summer will take care of itself.

“We'll see what players we have left at the end of May then go from there.

“We'll have to discuss who is going to be here and who isn't.

“I don't know when we'll do our business. I always like to do it early but it's generally it doesn't happen that way.”

McDermott also insisted he is not worried about rival clubs poaching his players.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has been a regular guest at Madejski Stadium recently and has since been linked with a £3 million swoop for Northern Ireland midfielder, Oliver Norwood.

Royals Academy graduate, Jake Cooper, and on-loan Benfica winger, Ola John, are also thought to be on Howe's radar.

But McDermott stressed: “I don't worry about that. It's good that players are doing well and Premier League clubs want them.

“I've had it before and lost some really big players like Gylfi Sigurdsson and Shane Long, but the club goes on.”

Reading will attempt to end a run of four straight Championship defeats this Saturday when they travel to QPR (3pm ko).

Right-back Chris Gunter has recovered from a groin injury and is likely to return to the side.