Leeds have shortlisted Reading boss Jaap Stam as a contender in their hunt for a new manager, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper revealed on their website that the former Manchester United defender is viewed by new Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani as one of four potential successors for Garry Monk at the helm of the Elland Road club.
Leeds have been managerless since Monk resigned from his role at the club on the 25th of May, following discussions with the Italian owner.
Stam managed to guide Reading to a third placed finish last season, before defeating Fulham in the play-off semi finals to set up a meeting with Huddersfield at Wembley, with a place in the Premier League at stake.
However, the 44-year-old Royals’ boss narrowly missed out on winning promotion to the top flight after he saw his side defeated on penalties in the play-off final back in May.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that the Terriers’ boss David Wagner was also on Radrizzani’s radar before their promotion, and say the Italian is ready to make an approach for Stam from their Championship rivals.
The former Dutch international is believed to be a year into a two-year contract with the Royals, his first senior management position, and is said to be in negotiations over extending his contract.
It is unlikely that Leeds fans will be enamoured at the prospect of the Dutchman being strongly in the running to take the reins after he criticised them form goading his Reading side as “boring” in the wake of their defeat at Elland Road last December.
Monk subsequently said he was “embarrassed” for the outspoken Stam and the rivalry was stoked further in the return fixture at the Madejski Stadium, which ended in a 1-0 for Reading in April.
Radrizzani has reportedly been holding meetings with potential candidates this week.