Watford manager Brendan Rodgers has become favourite to take over at Reading following Steve Coppell’s resignation last night.

Bookies Victor Chandler has slashed Rodgers’ odds from 10/1 to Evens and SkyBet have shortened from 16/1 to 4/1.

The Northern Irishman has lived in Reading since he joined the club as a player at 16 years old.

And when Rodgers’ playing career ended at 20 due to injury, he became a coach for the Royals and went on to become their Academy director before moving to Chelsea.

Victor Chandler’s Neal Wilkins said: “If the money could talk it’s suggests that Rodgers going to Reading is a done deal. There’s been some very informed money for him.”

Sky Bet’s Helen Jacob added: “A good selection of candidates have been backed to fill Steve Coppell’s shoes since we opened the betting this morning.

“Usual suspects Alan Curbishley and Aidy Boothroyd have been popular but it is Reading’s current and former Academy managers that have attracted most money.”

Reading’s Academy director Eamonn Dolan is now 6/1 to take over on SkyBet and the odds on former Watford boss Boothroyd and Curbishley have been lengthened to 7/1.

Rumours have circulated for the past few months that Rodgers could take over at the Madejski Stadium if Coppell were to retire.

During a live webchat with supporters on this wesite recently, Rodgers was asked if he would promise not to leave the Hornets for Reading this summer.

The 36-year-old replied: “I never promise anything in my life. All I know is that I'm in love with Watford and I've set out on a journey that I want to complete.“