Gus Poyet's odds of becoming the next Reading manager have been slashed.

Sky Sports are reporting Royals have been given permission to speak to the Albion manager.

Neither club has commented on the speculation but Poyet, who is taking a break in Barbados, hadbeen backed into odds of 1-10 with several bookmakers.although the odds had gone out slightly this afternoon.

The Premier League's joint-bottom side are seeking a replacement for Brian McDermott, who was sacked earlier this month after a run of four straight defeats.

Reading's Russian owner Anton Zingarevich is in the country as the search for a replacement continues, with Poyet the latest favourite for the job.

After links to former Swindon boss Paolo di Canio and ex-Southampton manager Nigel Adkins, the odds on the Seagulls boss replacing McDermott have shortened.

talkSport were this afternoon reporting that Adkins was in talks with Reading about taking the post.

Albion are seventh in the Championship after a 3-0 derby defeat of Crystal Palace and Poyet has previously stated he has ambitions to go to one of England's elite.