Former Reading boss Brian McDermott is poised to succeed Neil Warnock as manager of Leeds.

The 52-year-old has held advanced talks with United owners GFH Capital, who want McDermott in place as soon as possible in a bid to guide the club away from relegation trouble.

Warnock left Elland Road ten days ago following the home defeat to Derby, while a run of four straight losses has seen Leeds slip to within five points of the Champ-ionship bottom three with five games remaining.

McDermott was sacked by Reading last month after a run of four successive league defeats had left the club second from bottom in the Premier League.

He steered Reading to the Championship title last season as the Berkshire club won 15 of their last 19 matches to reach the top flight for only the second time in their history.

McDermott, named Premier League manager of the month for January, was an early front-runner for the vacancy at Elland Road and has said he is “very, very hungry” to get straight back into management.

Leeds gave a nod to McDermott’s impending arrival with a short statement which read: “The process of appointing a permanent replacement for Neil Warnock has progressed significantly this week and when all matters are finalised we will be in a position to make a formal announcement.

“Neil Redfearn will remain as caretaker manager until such time when an appointment is made, and he is being kept informed of the situation by the club’s board.”

Leeds host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.