A MAJORITY of Reading FC fans want Yakou Meite to continue his development at the club rather than being loaned out to gain first-team experience, a Chronicle poll has revealed.

Meite, 21, has been limited to just a single first-team start and 13 substitute cameos since his switch from French giants Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

But the powerful forward has showed signs of promise, pace and raw strength as he looks to force his way into Jaap Stam's regular starting line-up.

Some supporters suggested recently the 21-year-old could benefit from going out on loan next season to continue his development, but a Chronicle poll shows 60 per cent of fans think Reading is the best place for the forward to grow.

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Speaking to the Chronicle in February, Meite revealed he was frustrated with a lack of first-team football but insisted he wants to fight for his place in the team.

He asserted: "Of course I want to play more games, every player does.

“But I think I need to learn and if I want to play more I have to do more.

“I have spoken with the gaffer and I know he believes in me.

“I just have to work a bit more and then hopefully I can play more games.”

Meite was handed his first start of the Championship season against Rotherham United last week, but he found himself withdrawn after 45 minutes with the Royals trailing 1-0.

The change proved to be an effective one with Reading eventually winning the tie 2-1.

But Royals' boss Jaap Stam said the change was purely a tactical one and was not a reflection on Meite's performance.

However, the Dutchman warned the fleet-footed forward still has much to learn about the game.

He told the Chronicle: "I think Yakou is a very young player and a very talented player who can bring a lot.

"But together with a lot of the young players we have in the squad he still has a lot to learn, especially tactically.

"We saw against Rotherham that he is willing to go forward, he makes good runs and he is a threat in the box.

"He came close to scoring but we made the substitution for a tactical reason."