Reading's rivals, Oxford United, are on the lookout for a new manager after Liam Manning walked out to join Championship Bristol City.

The former MK Dons boss took over at the Kassam Stadium in the spring and led them away from relegation danger before embarking on a squad overhaul in the summer transfer window.

The U's, who haven't been in the second tier during the 21st century, currently sit second in League One and are three points behind Portsmouth at the top.

However, the Robins have thrown a spanner in the works as they have replaced veteran Nigel Pearson with 38-year-old Manning.

Chairman Grant Ferguson said, “We reluctantly gave Bristol City permission to speak with Liam after he indicated he wanted to discuss their vacant managerial position with them. 

“The club did everything it could to keep him here, but we move on and the project continues. Our focus now is to quickly appoint Liam's successor and support Craig as interim Head Coach.”

Oxford United visit Berkshire for the first time in 22 years next month, with their allocation of almost 3,000 already snapped up.