READING FC manager Jaap Stam is a surprise contender for the vacant Southampton hotseat.

Sources in the south claim Stam was being lined up as Claude Puel’s replacement even before the Frenchman was sacked last week.

Stam, 44, was fourth favourite for the job with most bookmakers last night behind Mauricio Pellegrino, Patrick Vieira and Frank De Boer.

But the Reading Chronicle can reveal that Stam is much more highly thought of by the St Mary’s hierarchy who could now launch an audacious swoop for the talented Dutchman.

With De Boer seemingly offered the Crystal Palace manager's job today and Pellegrino also in the running to take over at Selhurst Park, Saints could now turn their attention to sought-after Stam who guided Reading to third in the Championship in his first season in management.

Only last week Stam’s agent Henk Timmer played down links with Leeds United by insisting the ex-Manchester United defender has no intention of quitting Royals for one of their Championship rivals.

However, Timmer did hint the picture could change if Stam was approached by a top-flight club.

“If a big club from the Premier League comes, it might be another story,” Timmer told Voetbal International.

Reading Chronicle: Frank de Boer

Crystal Palace have offered Frank De Boer the manager's job at Selhurst Park, according to reports.

Stam has always maintained he has no intention of leaving Reading ever since their Championship play-off final defeat to Huddersfield Town a month ago.

But his position at the helm could be vulnerable as he has only one year left to run on his present contract and is yet to find out how much transfer money is available from the club’s new Chinese owners.

However, as the Chronicle revealed two weeks ago, Stam will soon be offered a new two-year deal by the Royals in a bid to ward off rival clubs.