JOSE Gomes is unlikely to secure a move to Reading FC before tomorrow’s Championship clash with Middlesbrough (3pm ko).

The Reading Chronicle understands Royals are still finalising compensation payments of around 1 million euros with his club Rio Ave in Portugal.

It was hoped the deal would have been competed before the end of the day, but some last-minute glitches have led to a slight delay.

That means caretaker boss Scott Marshall is almost certain to be in charge when Boro visit Madejski Stadium tomorrow.

However, 48-year-old Gomes remains the red-hot favourite to become the next Reading permanent manager following the departure of Paul Clement more than two weeks ago.

Gomes signed off at Rio Ave with a 5-2 defeat at Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Cup on Wednesday night.

Reading Chronicle:

Paul Clement was sacked by Reading more than two weeks ago.

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.”

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.