Report: Leeds eye Reading’s Jaap Stam to replace Thomas Christiansen

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Leeds United are reportedly interested in Jaap Stam.

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United are expected to be interested in landing Reading manager Jaap Stam as their new boss.

The Whites sacked manager Thomas Christiansen on Sunday evening after a 4-1 home defeat to Cardiff City, after winning 43% of his games in his eight months at Elland Road.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani must now search for a new boss, and it’s claimed that Leeds could make a new move for Reading boss Jaap Stam, having failed to land him over the summer.

It’s claimed that the Dutchman is set to be sacked by Reading after a dismal season so far, but Leeds could still look to make a move to land Stam if he becomes available as Radrizzani chases a long-term target.

A risk worth taking?

After guiding Reading to the Championship play-off final last season, Stam’s stock was incredibly high, having brought an attractive brand of football, inspired by Ajax, to the Madejski Stadium.

However, the Royals have struggled under Stam this season, and sit just six points clear of the Championship relegation zone, with Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Millwall potentially Stam’s final match in charge of the club.

That means that Leeds could be taking a huge gamble by appointing Stam, who had one good season with Reading but has since struggled to kick on, with his side regressing dramatically so far this season.

Stam being a former Manchester United defender won’t exactly endear him to the Leeds faithful, and with a patchy record this term as Reading fans plead for his exit, Stam may be too much of a risk for Leeds right now.