READING FC have agreed a compensation package for Rio Ave manager Jose Gomes, according to reports.

Media in his Portuguese homeland say the 48-year-old could be officially unveiled by the Royals tomorrow.

Reading are said to have paid around 1m euros for his services, having parted company with Paul Clement a fortnight ago.

If the rumours are true, Gomes signed off at Rio Ave with a 5-2 defeat at Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Cup last night.


He confirmed in his post-match press conference that his chances of joining Reading lay in Rio Ave's hands.

Gomes said: "For my part, I keep what I said. I was a few years out of the country and those who opened the doors for me to return were the club that I proudly represent with great satisfaction.

“I am happy in Vila do Conde, I like the project and I go early to the club every day with great joy and willingness to work.

"So I passed that decision, from the first second they (Reading) approached me, to the people (Rio Ave) who invited me and who trusted me.

"It remains exactly the same. I’m focused on what I have in hand, which is the Rio Ave project, I’m very happy here.”

Primeira Liga side Rio Ave were holding firm after Reading's interest in Gomes was revealed last week.

Gomes made no secret of Reading's approach and has twice made reference to it in the past few days.

It is thought Rio Ave rejected Royals initial offer of compensation but have now accepted a sum in the region of 1m euros.

Reading turned to Gomes after being knocked back by another Portuguese manager, Luis Castro, of Vitoria Guimaraes last week.

Gomes - full name Jose Manuel Martins Teixeira Gomes - has coached clubs all over Europe and beyond, but rarely for a long length of time.

He has coached and managed Pacos Ferreira (twice), Covilha, Aves (twice) , Leixoes, Uniao Leiria, Moreirense and Porto (all Portugal).

That was followed by spells with Malaga (Spain), Panathinaikos (Greece), Videoton (Hungary), Al-Taawoun, Al-Ahli (both Saudi Arabia), Baniyas (Abu Dhabi), Al-Taawoun again then Rio Ave.

It is not known whether a deal to sign Gomes will be completed before Saturday's home clash against Middlesbrough.

If not, caretaker boss Scott Marshall will remain in charge for his third Championship fixture since Clement was sacked.