Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly granted Gus Poyet permission to discuss terms with Premier League side Reading.
The Royals have been in the market for a new manager since they decided to part company with Brian McDermott last week.
A number of people have been linked with the vacancy, including Paolo Di Canio, Phil Parkinson, Luis Enrique and Nigel Adkins.
However, they have turned their attention to former Chelsea midfielder Poyet, who made it clear to the Brighton board that he would like to have the opportunity to meet with Reading owner Anton Zingarevich, according to Sky Sports News.
That has resulted in the majority of bookmakers slashing the odds of Poyet taking over at the Madejski Stadium to 1/10.
Poyet was appointed Brighton boss in 2009 and he has guided the Seagulls from League One to seventh in the Championship standings. Meanwhile, Reading are 19th in the Premier League, seven points from safety.