Jaap Stam has admitted that he is pleased to have seen his impressive work at Reading not go under the radar, amid suggestions that he has caught the eye of West Ham United chiefs.

The Dutchman has guided the Royals into Championship playoff contention this term, winning 20 and drawing seven of his first 38 league games in charge at the Madejski Stadium helm.

Stam was this week linked with the West Ham job, which reports in the British press suggest could be made vacant at the end of the season as current boss Slaven Bilic has quickly fallen out of favour.

Asked about the speculation for the first time, the former Manchester United defender told reporters: "I am aware of it. That is what happens.

"What happens next season, happens next season. It is nice to be recognised. I do not know if it is true – everyone wants recognition."

Reading endured a patchy run of form leading into the two-week international break, drawing one, losing one and winning one of their last three games.