JAAP Stam and Milinko Pantic have emerged as leading contenders to take over at Reading after Brian McDermott was sacked as manager last Friday.

McDermott was axed by the Royals less than six months into his second spell in charge of the club. He won nine of his 30 matches with Reading finishing 17th in the Championship table last season.

Stam, an ex-Netherlands and Manchester United centre back, is believed to be a contender for the vacant hot seat having just left the role as assistant manager to Ajax Reserves.

Also on the shortlist is Pantic. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder met with club officials last week. His last managerial role was in Azerbaijan with FC Baku between 2013 and 2014.