Friday 27 May 2016 12:46, UK
Jaap Stam is in talks with Reading, according to Sky sources, after Brian McDermott was sacked as manager on Friday morning.
Sky Sports News HQ understands that former Manchester United centre-half Stam has spoken with the club's owners about replacing McDermott, whose second spell in charge of the Championship club has been terminated after just five months.
Stam is a free agent, having recently coached Ajax's youth and reserve sides. The 43-year-old has just received his UEFA Pro Licence and recently spent time at Southampton as part of his studies, working alongside Ronald Koeman and the club's technical director, Les Reed.
Back in mid-December, McDermott signed a deal until summer 2018 at the Madejski Stadium, replacing Steve Clarke.
In a statement, Reading said: "After careful consideration, the board of Reading Football Club have taken the difficult decision to relieve Manager Brian McDermott of his duties.
"We would like to sincerely thank Brian for all his hard work since his return to the club in December 2015 and wish him well in his future career.
"The board of Reading Football Club will now undertake a rigorous recruitment process over the next few weeks to identify the right man to lead this club forward and into the 2016-17 season."
Reading finished the season in 17th place and well clear of the relegation places, with the team winning nine of their 30 league and FA Cup matches under McDermott.
But McDermott's fate may have been sealed as his charges failed to win any of their last seven games.
McDermott joined Reading's coaching staff in September 2000 and was appointed manager just over nine years later.
Under his stewardship the Royals were promoted to the Premier League in 2012, but after a run of four successive defeats, the following March McDermott was dismissed.
