Reading are lining up Nigel Pearson as their next manager.

The Daily Mail reports that the Royals are looking closely at the former Leicester City boss as a possible replacement for Steve Clarke who is set to leave the Madejski Stadium for Fulham.

Fulham had held talks with Pearson regarding their vacancy but after discussions broke down, the Cottagers targeted Reading boss Clarke, who is likely to accept the role and leave the Berkshire door open for the former Foxes man.

Pearson has been without work since leaving Leicester in late June, stemming from a post-season incident in Thailand involving his son James.