Paul Clement is set to fly back from the United States to make his return to management with Reading.

Clement will cut short a holiday in Los Angeles to accept the job at the Championship club, following the dismissal of Jaap Stam on Monday.

The 46-year-old was dismissed by Swansea in December with the club bottom of the Premier League and swiftly emerged as Reading’s No1 choice, ahead of former Birmingham manager Steve Cotterill.

Reading’s chief executive Ron Gourlay knows Clement well from their time together at Chelsea and believes he can guide the club away from the relegation zone.

Stam was sacked after just one win in 18 games, less than a year after leading Reading into the Championship play-off final. The club's 3-2 defeat at Norwich City on Saturday left them in 20th place, three points adrift of the relegation zone.

Jaap Stam was sacked on Monday credit: Adam Davy/PA Wire

It is understood Clement's appointment could be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

Clement has Championship experience after eight months in charge at Derby County.