Brighton and Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has been given permission to speak to Reading regarding their managerial vacancy, sources at Sky Sports understand.

Both clubs are yet to comment on the development, but the latest indications suggest that the Uruguayan has become the favourite to replace Brian McDermott, who was sacked last week, at the Madejski

Revelation

Former Chelsea and Spurs player Poyet is hugely popular at the Amex stadium; having joined in November 2009 he led the club to League One promotion in his first season in charge.

This season has been another success story for the south coast club, who sit outside of the Championship play-off places just by goal difference.

However Brighton’s rise has only highlighted Poyet’s managerial potential, and despite being contracted to the Seagulls until 2016, the 45-year old has said before that should one of his former clubs come knocking, he would find it hard to resist the challenge.

In need

However for now it appears Poyet may be on his way to Berkshire to rescue the Royals, who are in desperate need of a man to save their dwindling Premier League status.

With just 23 points from 30 games, Reading lie in nineteenth position in the table, seven points from safety.

They have eight games left to play and owner Anton Zingarevich will hope Poyet can be the man to keep his team in the top flight.