Fulham are in talks with Steve Clarke after making an official approach to Championship rivals Reading.
Clarke has been given the green light to speak with Fulham officials and could be appointed as manager in the next 24 hours if negotiations are successful.
Fulham made their move for the Scot on Wednesday and want him to succeed Kit Symons, who was sacked earlier this month.
Clarke’s move to Craven Cottage is ?far from complete, however, with personal terms yet to be agreed, but Fulham are hopeful of reaching an agreement on Thursday.
Reading only appointed Clarke in December but ?he guided the club to Championship survival and an FA Cup semi-final while this season he has led them to the brink of the play-off places.
Fulham have moved for the 52-year-old ahead of other contenders including Nigel Pearson, the former Leicester manager, and Uwe Rosler, who were also on their shortlist.
Clarke was interviewed by Reading before Symons was appointed last year but is now poised to take over officially before the weekend.
Fulham are 12th in the Championship after an inconsistent start to the campaign, despite spending around £7million in the summer in a bid to build a squad capable of a promotion challenge.
This weekend they face a trip to Milton Keynes Dons.
