Vitor Pereira Reportedly On Reading’s Managerial Shortlist

Having been turned down by Luis Castro, Reading reportedly have another Portuguese manager in their sights as they look to appoint Paul Clement’s replacement this week.

According to Sky Sports, Shanghai SIPG boss Vitor Pereira has flown to the UK to discuss the possibility of taking over at the Madejski Stadium, but would have to take a pay cut to do so.

The 50-year-old became manager of The Red Eagles last December, and led them to their first ever Chinese Super League title last month, finishing top by five points.

It was the fourth league title of his career, having also won the Primeira Liga with Porto (twice) and the Super League Greece with Olympiakos. He has also had managerial stints in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, Turkey with Fernebache and Germany with 1860 Munich.

Sky also suggest that the Royals are keen on forming a five-man shortlist, with other candidates including Slavisa Jokanovic, Steve Bruce and Nigel Pearson.

Much like Reading’s interest in Luis Castro, this rumour appears to feature a link with Kia Joorabchian, with the Iranian influential in getting Pereira the 1860 Munich job in 2017, having also offered him to Inter Milan in 2016. He’s certainly a man who is well travelled and with an impressive CV, so could be a promising appointment.