READING FC will have to look elsewhere for a new manager after a failed attempt to land Gus Poyet.

The 45-year-old Brighton boss is believed to have turned down the top job at Madejski Stadium to concentrate on winning promotion to the Premier League with the Seagulls.

Reports suggest Poyet was given permission by Brighton to speak with Royals' representatives earlier this week.

He is thought to have met Reading owner Anton Zingarevich and Director of Football Nick Hammond near Gatwick Airport before he was due to fly to the Caribbean on holiday during the current international break.

Poyet was promised a huge transfer kitty this summer, whether Royals avoid relegation or not. But it appears the former Chelsea and Tottenham star rejected the offer.

Nigel Adkins remains one of the favourites to take over the reins, though some sources say he isn't interested in the job either.

Adkins was sacked by Southampton in January but remains on their payroll, which could be a stumbling block in any negotiating process.

Former Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio, ex-Reading captain Phil Parkinson - now with Bradford City - and ex-Roma coach Luis Enrique are among a host of potential candidates now being considered.

Chelsea's former Champions League-winning boss Roberto Di Matteo and France's ex-coach Laurent Blanc have also been linked with the vacant post.

However, Reading may now decide to place caretaker boss Eamonn Dolan in charge until the end of the season to buy them more time to find the right man.

Dolan led Royals' out at Old Trafford last weekend for the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United following Brian McDermott's sacking a few days earlier and the departure of coaches Nigel Gibbs and Yannis Anastasiou.

The 45-year-old Royals Academy chief has been organising first-team training sessions and could still be in charge for Reading's next Premier League fixture at Arsenal on Saturday, March 30.

"The players know me and trust me," stated Dolan. "They also know the respect I have for Brian and Nigel.

"It's in everyone's interests - the owner, the players Brian and Nigel - that we stay in the Premier League."

Neither Reading FC nor Brighton would comment on the speculation regarding Poyet.

A Chronicle online poll (see below) reveals Di Canio is the currently number one choice amongst Royals fans.