Former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins is new favourite for the Reading job.

The Sun says Adkins is the new favourite to take over at Reading after they were snubbed by Gus Poyet.

Brighton boss Poyet rejected the chance to succeed axed Brian McDermott at struggling Royals.

Poyet's decision is a body blow to Reading's Russian owner Anton Zingarevich, who will now turn to ex-Southampton chief Adkins.

But it is no certainty Adkins will accept as he is also in the race to replace Neil Warnock at Leeds.