Gus Poyet emerges as favourite for Reading job amid reports Brighton manager has held talks

The Brighton manager's odds of replacing Brian McDermott have been shortened

Brighton manager Gus Poyet has emerged as the favourite to become the new Reading manager following the recent departure of Brian McDermott.

After being linked with former Swindon boss Paolo di Canio and ex-Southampton manager Nigel Adkins, it appears the Royals could turn to Poyet with the odds on the Brighton boss replacing McDermott being shortened to as low as 1/10 with some bookmakers.

It has also been claim that talks have taken place regarding a move, but it's understood a deal is by no means done.

McDermott was relieved of his duties at the Madejski Stadium after a run of four successive league defeats. The Royals now sit second bottom in the Premier League table and are on a winless run which stretches back to February 2.

Brighton are currently seventh in the Championship and retain hopes that they could be promoted to the Premier League this season, the division Poyet has previously stated he has ambitions to manage in.

Despite Reading's relegation fears, should the Uruguayan opt to take the helm at the struggling outfit, captain Jobi McAnuff believes he would be joining a club that could still beat the drop.

"No one's giving up," the midfielder told the club's official website.

"We're got eight massive games left now and it doesn't matter who we've got, we'll show our pride and see if we can pick some results up.”

"We've earned the right to be here and we just want to make sure we give it a good crack between now and the end of the season and do our best to make sure that we stay up,” he added.