Former Reading FC boss Veljko Paunovic is one of several managers in the running to take over at Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds are on the hunt for a new person at the helm after Steve Morison was sacked just 10 games into the new Championship season.
Paunovic was in charge at the Royals for 18 months and departed in February 2022 with Reading in danger of being relegated and having suffered a humbling defeat to non league side Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.
Taking over from Mark Bowen in August 2020, the Serbian boss made a dream start to life in Berkshire and won his first seven league games in charge.
The Royals narrowly missed out on a play-off place after an impressive first season under Paunovic, finishing seventh in the table.
However, the second season started with difficulties with the club under a transfer embargo which was followed by them being deducted six points during the season for breaching the EFL’s profit and sustainability rules in previous campaigns.
Reading were dealt some troubling defeats during the final months of Paunovic’s reign including a 7-0 home loss to Fulham.
Eight losses on the bounce sparked protests among the fans against both the management and ownership of the club before the club’s 150th anniversary game which ended in a 3-2 defeat to Coventry City.
Paunovic’s final game in charge saw Reading win 3-2 away at Preston North End before he left by mutual consent.
Paul Ince took over the Royals on a temporary basis and led them to Championship safety before taking the job permanently in the summer.
Paunovic has been without a club since his departure from the Royals and is now reportedly one of the names that Cardiff are interested in pursuing.
The Bluebirds were busy during this summer’s transfer window and brought in several new players, including Andy Rinomhota on a free transfer from Reading.
But they have had a stuttering start to the season which sees them in 18th place with 11 points from 10 games.
As well as Paunovic, Mark Hudson, Jody Morris and current Luton Town boss Nathan Jones have all been linked with the vacancy.
