THE future of Steve Clarke has plunged into further doubt this morning with it believed the Reading FC boss is on the verge of quitting the club to join Fulham.
The Scotsman was due to front Royals’ press conference ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash with Madejski Stadium earlier today, but that has since been cancelled.
Reports have been rife over the past 24-hours Clarke, 52, is set to take up the vacant hot-seat at Craven Cottage.
League rivals Fulham have been looking to replace the axed Kit Symons, who was relieved of his duties shortly after the 5-2 loss against Birmingham City on November 8.
And on Wednesday, Clarke, who has been in charge at Madejski Stadium for just 11 months, was made the odds-on favourite to be handed the reigns.
According to some reports, his appointment at the west London club could be confirmed at some point today.
It is understood the former West Bromwich Albion manager is holding talks with Cottagers chiefs, and a deal to bring him to the club is said to be close.
Any appointment, however, is likely to be subject to the two teams having to agree a compensation package for Clarke, who still has 18 months left on his contract at Reading.
As speculation continues to intensify, Reading officials remain quiet on the matter. Fulham, too, are remaining tight-lipped on talk of a new manager.
Having replaced Nigel Adkins back in December 2014, Clarke steered the club away from the threat of relegation last season, securing a 19th place finish in the league and also taking Royals to an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, where they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Premier League side Arsenal.
Given support and financial backing over the summer, the manger oversaw a complete overhaul of the squad, bringing in 13 new players and his own backroom staff.
A promising start to the new campaign followed, with impressive wins over Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Burnley taking the side into the top three of the Championship.
However, a dip in from has seen the club go five games without a win, dropping down to eighth in the standings in the process.
Fulham, meanwhile, sit four points behind Reading in the table.
