JAAP Stam's odds of becoming the next Oxford United manager have plummeted following the Dutchman's departure at Reading.

A 25/1 outsider this morning, the former Manchester United defender moved to become second favourite at 3/1 in a matter of minutes.

Stam was appointed at Reading in 2016 by Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth, who took over at United last month.

The Thai businessman, known as Tiger, has made finding a new manager the priority and is hoping to appoint a candidate with a 'wow' factor this week.

Head of PR for Sky Bet, Sandro Di Michele, said the hunt for the next U's manager continues to surprise.

"As soon as the news broke (this morning) we were just hit with wave after wave of bets for Jaap Stam," he said.

"Oxford supporters and punters alike clearly think that Jaap will get back into management quickly.

"At one point we were seeing five bets on Jaap Stam for every one bet on another candidate."

He added: "This market continues to break records and has now seen five times the level of stakes we would expect for a Sky Bet League One manager market."

Stam took Reading to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final last season, where they lost to Huddersfield Town on a penalty shoot-out.

They have been unable to replicate the form this season and he departs the Madejski Stadium with the Royals just three points above the relegation zone.

Karl Robinson, who has reportedly offered to resign at Charlton Athletic, remains the favourite for the role.