Reading legend Dave Kitson believes that should any first-team star choose to depart, supporters 'couldn't hold it against them.'

The Royals built a strong and consistent side, especially after Christmas, and managed to overturn a 10 point deficit to remain in League One.

The likes of Lewis Wing, Harvey Knibbs and Tyler Bindon have all been taken to the hearts of supporters in their debut campaigns and many believe there is a spine strong enough to compete for top honours next year.

However, with four weeks until the new season, no ownership takeover has been confirmed and many fear it could push more stars towards the exit door.

(Image: jasonpix)

Femi Azeez has already been subject to interest from Millwall, which Reading turned down, but the longer off-field uncertainty runs on the less secure player's futures become.

Despite this, Kitson- a star striker of nearly 200 Royals appearances- believes they are well within their rights to consider moving and supporters could 'not hold it against them.'

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Kitson commented: "It’s an incredibly loyal player that would stay in a situation where they’ve got an offer elsewhere and a chance to secure a future for the next three or four years. It would be great for us- they would be an immediate legend- but the reality is we know how hard it has been for people. Footballers like security and the family like security as well.

"We hope they stay; the ownership gets sorted out and leaves those players to believe that there is a future for them and their families at Reading and they get some security. But you couldn’t hold it against them if a better offer comes in and we don’t know what the financial situation is really like at the club. We know it’s not great, but we don’t know exactly what it is- if a decent offer comes in it is going to be considered."

Reading are still unable to bring any new faces into the side and Ruben Selles' pre-season squad is heavily padded out with youth players making the jump up to the first-team.

The Telegraph are reporting that a deal with former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig could be completed within the next fortnight.