Reading contact Roberto Di Matteo over managerial vacancy?

Reading have reportedly approached former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo over becoming the new manager at the Madejski Stadium.

The 42-year-old, who has been out of work since getting sacked by the Blues last November, has been tipped to replace Brian McDermott, who was given the chop by the struggling Premier League outfit yesterday.

It is understood that the former Championship club are willing to offer Di Matteo a short-term contract until 2015 in a bid to get them out of their relegation battle, according to the Reading Post.

Recently-sacked Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio is also believed to be in contention to take over the club, which sits second from bottom in the league table, with nine games left to play.