Former Southampton and Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is the early favourite to replace Jose Gomes as Reading manager.
Portuguese boss Gomes was dismissed on Wednesday, after just under 10 months in the job, following a poor start to the Sky Bet Championship season.
The Royals have won just two of their 11 games so far this season, leaving them in the relegation zone.
Hughes has been out of work since leaving Southampton in December 2018 and Sky Bet currently make him odds-on favourite at 4/6 to get the post.
The 55-year-old has a wealth of experience, having led Wales, Blackburn, Man City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke and most recently the Saints. He could be set to become Reading's third boss in less than 18 months.
Mark Bowen is Reading's new sporting director and the Welshman has worked as assistant to Hughes in all of his roles.
Chris Hughton is next in the betting at 6/1, with Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth at 8/1, Gary Rowett at 11/1 and former Royals bosses Alan Pardew (12/1) and Phil Parkinson (14/1) also in the running.
Gomes' departure had been expected due to reports initially surfacing on Monday.
After confirming the news on Wednesday, a statement from the club read: "Gomes joined the club at the end of December 2018 and successfully steered the club away from the threat of relegation.
"However, following just two wins in the first 11 league games in 2019-20, owner Mr Yongge Dai has made the difficult decision to part company with Gomes and make a change at first-team level.
"We would like to sincerely thank Jose for his hard work during his tenure as manager at Reading Football Club and we wish him the very best of luck in his future career."
Dom Newton-Collinge, Tom Carnduff and Sky Sports presenter David Prutton sit down to talk all things Sky Bet Championship.
Gomes joined Reading in December 2018, leaving Portuguese Primeira Liga side Rio Ave to take up the post.
He replaced caretaker manager Scott Marshall, who stepped in after Paul Clement was fired.
His arrival helped the Royals avoid relegation, ultimately ending last season in 20th place, seven points clear of the drop zone.
This season has proved a struggle, however, with the club only claiming two Championship victories so far and currently enduring a seven-game winless streak.
Gomes' tenure at Reading was his 13th managerial role in 16 years.
Odds correct as of 1550 BST on 09/10/19. Additional reporting by the Press Association.
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