LUIS Castro had become a clear favourite to take over the reins at Reading FC.

Odds on the 57-year-old succeeding Paul Clement have tumbled in the past day to 4/5 with Sky Bet.

According to reports, football agent Kia Joorabchian has flown to Portugal for talks with the Vitoria Guimaraes boss.

Portuguese media say Royals’ Chinese owners will tempt Castro to England by offering an 11m euro salary package and cash to spend on players in January.

Ex-Porto manager Castro, who speaks little English, only joined Guimaraes earlier this year and Reading would need to pay a seven-figure sum to release him from his contract.

‘Super agent’ Joorabchin has emerged as a key figure behind the scenes at Madejski Stadium.

He has been known to the Royals for several years having been involved in the deals that brought Lucas Piason, Orlando Sa, Ola John and Paolo Hurtado to the club.

He is also a friend of Pairoj Piempongsant, who was part of the Lady Sasima-led Thai takeover in September 2014, is believed to have been in the directors’ box for Reading’s two most recent home games.

Former Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce (10/3) is the bookies’ second favourite to replace Clement, who was sacked on Thursday, less than a day after Nigel Howe took over as CEO from the axed Ron Gourlay.

There were more casualties yesterday as Reading’s sporting director Gianluca Nani and chief operating officer, Steven Falk, also left their positions.

Ex-Royals skipper Phil Parkinson is another potential candidate for the vacant Royals’ hotseat, though yesterday he insisted his full focus is on Bolton’s clash with leaders Norwich City.

He told the Bolton News: “It’s a shame that Paul is no longer the manager but I am concentrating on Bolton Wanderers and the weekend.”

Slavisa Jokanovic, who guided Fulham to promotion to the Premier League, is another strong contender.

Reading Under 23s manager Scott Marshall and assistant boss Nigel Gibbs will be in charge of this evening's televised home clash against Sheffield United (5.30pm ko).

Latest Sky Bet odds: Luis Castro 4/5, Steve Bruce 10/3, Francesco Guidolin 7/1, Alan Pardew 11/1, Slavisa Jokanovic 11/1, Greame Murty 12/1, Phil Parkinson 14/1, Scott Marshall 14/1, Gareth Ainsworth 16/1, Carlos Carvalhal 22/2, Mark Hughes 25/1, Mark Warburton 25/1, Michael Appleton 25,1 Steve Coppell 25/1, Danny Cowley 28/1, David Moyes 28/1, Sergei Rebrov 28/1, Brian McDermott 33/1, Chris Coleman 33/1, Gianfranco Zola 33/1, Nathan Jones 33/1, Nigel Pearson 33/1, Harry Redknapp 40/1.