Nicky Shorey will be the first to go in a massive summer clear-out as Reading attempt to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Whether Royals stayed up or not, sweeping changes were always going to be made.

But now they have been relegated, there could be as many as 10 players heading out of the exit door.

Director of football Nick Hammond told the Evening Post: “There will probably be more change and reflection than in the past few years.

“Clubs go in cycles. Sometimes there needs to be change and sometimes there doesn’t, but maybe we have got to that stage where we do need to make changes.

England left-back Shorey has declined the offer of an extension on his contract, which expires in July next year.

Reading’s current second-longest serving player made it clear to manager Steve Coppell he felt it was time to leave last summer.

However, Royals’ boss was under no obligation to sell as Shorey still had two years left on his deal.

A £4million bid by West Ham last August was described as derisory by Coppell, who was aware that uncapped left-back Leighton Baines had just moved from Wigan to Everton for £6million.

But this time Shorey looks to be on the way out, with Aston Villa and Newcastle also in the hunt, as Royals cannot risk him walking away for free next summer.

The future of many of Reading’s other stars depends on whether manager Steve Coppell stays.

Stephen Hunt and Leroy Lita, though, look the most likely to be heading for the exit door.

Ireland winger Hunt only recently signed a bumper new deal, but Sunderland boss Roy Keane is a keen admirer, having failed with a £5million offer in the January transfer window.

He is now expected to renew his interest, and possibly attempt to land compatriot Kevin Doyle in a double swoop.

Lita has one year left on his current deal, but he may decide to move on, having been shipped out on loan to Charlton earlier in the season.

“I don’t know where my future lies,” admitted the striker.

Want-away midfielder Emerse Fae is also likely to be allowed to leave.

Last year’s £2.5million club-record signing from Nantes has had a terrible season.

He has just completed a 14-day ban and been fined two weeks wages for refusing to play in the reserves.

Out-of-contract players Ulises de la Cruz, John Halls, John Oster, Sam Sodje and Graham Stack are also all expected to be released.

However, Glen Little is almost certain to be offered a one-year extension.

The winger was ruled out for a year with an Achilles injury and only made two substitute appearances this season. He is now recovering from a slight calf strain.