Reading could appoint Luis Castro as their new manager as controversial football agent Kia Joorabchian attempts to take an increasingly influential role at the club.

Joorabchian is not a stranger to Madejski Stadium, having been a key figure behind the scenes during the previous Thai owners spell in charge due to his close relationship with Pairoj Piempongsant, the man who first brought Samrit Bunditkisada and Lady Sasima Srivikorn to Berkshire.

The Iranian-born businessman was behind several of the transfer deals that fist took place during the Thai’s reign, such as the moves for Orlando Sa, Paolo Hurtado, Lucas Piazon and Ola John.

Joorabchian’s influence had diminished in the past two years, however, but he has now returned to the scene and football.london understands he has been present at the last two Reading matches at Madejski Stadium.

His influence has grown so much that sporting director Gianluca Nani agreed to leave as he felt his position had become untenable.

And Joorabchian is pushing for the Championship strugglers to appoint Castro from Vitoria Guimaraes as Paul Clement’s replacement.

Clement was dismissed on Thursday following a dismal spell in Berkshire which saw him oversee just seven wins in 30 games. He was sacked a day after Nigel Howe returned to the club as chief executive to replace Ron Gourlay.

Vitoria Guimaraes manager Castro is a client of Joorabchian and football.london understands there have been talks over the him taking over at Madejski Stadium.

Those discussions are continuing with Joorabchian having travelled to Portugal to try and get a deal done.

Castro only took over at Vitoria Guimaraes, who play in the Portuguese top flight, earlier this year and has had stints with Rio Ave and GD Chaves since leaving Porto in 2016.

He spent three years in charge of the Portuguese giants’ B team between 2013 and 2016, with an interim spell in charge of the first-team in 2014.

It is understood he does not speak English well and it would cost Reading around €1 million to get him and his coaching staff out of their roles at Vitoria Guimaraes.

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