However, McDermott has just signed Hope Akpan from Crawley and Sporting Lisbon captain Daniel Carrico and now views Tabb as surplus to requirements.

“Jay Tabb is a fantastic person and I need to do right by him,” McDermott told BBC Radio Berkshire.

“The last thing I want to happen with Jay is to come to the end of the summer and he is stuck in a queue with a lot of other players.

“I’ve spoken to him and I’ve said if the right opportunity comes your way that you think is right and the clubs do a deal, then I will not stand in your way.

“I rate him very highly but at this moment in time he has not been offered a contract.

“It is a balancing act. We have just signed Hope Akpan and Daniel Carrico and have five or six top midfield players and if Jay wants to play elsewhere then I will do right by him.”