Hal Robson-Kanu admits he would find it difficult to leave Reading, but is eager to remain in the Premier League.
The Wales international suffered relegation out of the top flight in 2012/13, with the Royals spending just one season back among the elite.
There is a desire to bounce straight back, but departures from the Madejski Stadium are inevitable this summer.
It has been suggested that Robson-Kanu could be among those to move on, with the 24-year-old having caught the eye in a struggling side.
As a product of Reading's academy system he concedes it would be a wrench to head for the exits, but he has ambitions of gracing the very top of the game.
Robson-Kanu told Sky Sports News HD: "Scoring seven goals, I ended up the highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League in Reading's history, which was nice on a personal note.
"After coming through the academy it would be hard for me to leave, but in terms of my personal ambition I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play for a top-four club."
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Robson-Kanu, as he has just one year remaining on his current contract, but he is confident that better times lie ahead for Reading after an eventful year at the Madejski.
He added: "As players, we had a lot of affection for Brian (McDermott). For me personally, having come through the academy with him, it was sad to see him go but with football you have to look forward and you have to move on.
"Brian had his way of playing, as does Nigel (Adkins) - it's attacking, it's fast and next season we have got every opportunity of going straight back up with the nucleus of the squad and a lot of young players who are hungry."
