A SMALL majority of Reading FC supporters do not want Jaap Stam to be their next manager, according to a Reading Chronicle online poll.

But there little to choose between those who are against the Dutchman's appointment and those who are for it.

Royals appeared close to unveiling Stam as their new boss earlier in the week, with some national media both here and in Holland suggesting a deal had already been done.

The 43-year-old former Manchester United defender was rumoured to be on the verge of signing a two-year contract at the Madejski Stadium with the option of a third.

But those claims appear far fetched and Reading are unlikely to make an announcement before the end of the week as co-chairman Sir John Madejski and chief executive Nigel Howe are both in Portugal for the annual Football League Owners’ & Executives’ meeting.

The pair are not directly involved in the recruitment process, but it is believed the club would prefer them to be present for a press conference when the new manager is confirmed.

In fact, the search is being led by Pairoj Piempongsant and director of football, Brian Tevreden, who previously worked with Stam at Ajax.

Stam remains the clear favourite with bookmakers to replace former promotion-winning boss Brian McDermott, who was sacked last month.

The 2012 Championship title-winner was axed just 161 days into his second stint in the hotseat, after Reading laboured to 17th place in the Championship last season.

However, a Reading Chronicle online poll revealed 53% of fans are against Stam's appointment, while 47% said they would like to see the Dutchman put in charge.

Some supporters have also criticised the club for a lack of transparency in recent weeks and have claimed they are dragging their heels over the new appointment.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Reading have also held talks with ex-Atletico Madrid winger, Milinko Pantic, with Gianfranco Zola, Avram Grant, Phil Parkinson and Gary Rowett other potential targets.

Stam, who took part in Soccer Aid at Old Trafford on Sunday, recently left his role with Jong Ajax, the club's reserves team playing in the Eerste Divisie.

He has never hidden his desire to work in England and recently told Dutch media: “It's not that I do not want to work in the Netherlands but going abroad is my preference.

“Ajax wanted me to stay, but they know my ambition.”