Paolo di Canio favourite to be appointed as new boss of Reading

Paolo di Canio favourite to be appointed as new boss of Reading

The Italian, who left Swindon last month, was in the crowd at the Madejski on Saturday when Reading lost 2-1 to Aston Villa, though it is not known if he had been invited by club owner Anton Zingarevich.

McDermott, manager of the month in January, was sacked after four straight defeats which left them four points adrift of safety with just nine games left.

Other candidates in the frame include Nigel Adkins, sacked by Southampton in January, former Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo and ex-QPR manager Mark Hughes.

Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers and Holland boss currently as PSV Eindhoven, has also beein linked.

Di Canio though is favourite for the job and it is thought that the Italian is interested in taking what would be his first manager's job in the Premier League.

A statement from the club on Monday afternoon read: "Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian.

"However, in our current situation, Anton Zingarevich felt that a change was necessary.

"The search for a successor will start immediately. It is hoped a new manager will be in place as soon as possible."

Whoever takes charge could hardly have a more difficult start to life at Reading - the Royals go to Manchester United on Saturday, then go to Arsenal.

Eamonn Dolan, the academy manager, has been put in temporary charge.