![Reading manager Jaap! Stam! poses with his Championship manager of the month award for January 2017 [DO NOTE USE UNTIL FEB 10]](http://b.smimg.net/17/06/300x225/jaap-stam.jpg)
West Ham United have earmarked Reading manager Jaap Stam to replace Slaven Bilic, according to reports.
The Hammers boss has come under criticism by fans as well as club co-chairman David Sullivan due to a number of performances deemed to be sub-par, as well as inconsistent results.
Former Manchester United star Stam, meanwhile, has impressed at the Madejski Stadium, taking the Royals into the Championship playoff positions in his first full-time job in management.
Stam is on a two-year deal at the Berkshire club, with The Mirror reporting that the Hammers are buoyed by the fact they would only need to pay one year's compensation to Reading should they snap up the Dutchman.
Up next for the East Londoners is a Premier League trip to Hull City on April 1, while Reading host Leeds United on the same day.
