Reading have not had the season they'd have liked so far this season in the Championship with them falling short of their top six hopes.

Of course, there is still a long way to go but they are not playing as well as they did last season and they look more set for a mid-table finish than a play-off challenge this season.

Jaap Stam, then, will have to reassess things ahead of next year potentially, but it looks as though he could be poached by Premier League side Newcastle United.

Indeed, in a very surprising report from TMW, Jaap Stam is being eyed by the Magpies as a possible replacement for Rafa Benitez.

The Magpies are back in the Premier League but have run out of steam and need to get in some new players in the January window.

And, though Benitez is not under any imminent threat of losing his job, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Newcastle sack him with some of their decisions in the recent past.

Stam might be a bit of a shock choice, though, with things not going brilliantly at Reading and him not of the calibre of Benitez yet.

The Verdict

This would be a shock.

Benitez should at least be given the January window to improve the squad and Stam has no managerial experience in the Premier League.

All involved should hope it stays as it is at the moment.

Thoughts, Royals and Magpies fans? Let us know below!