Hull City set to appoint Reading boss Selles as head coach

Ruben Selles has left Reading to join Hull City

Ruben Selles has agreed to leave Reading and take over as the new head coach of Hull City, BBC Radio Berkshire understands.

The Royals manager is poised to swap a League One promotion push for a Championship relegation battle with the Tigers and will take over from Tim Walter, who was sacked last week.

The two clubs are understood to be finalising compensation for Reading, while the visa for Selles, as an international coach, also has to be amended.

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has moved quickly to secure a highly-rated manager who has done well in difficult circumstances in Berkshire.

The 41-year-old Spaniard has had to battle points deductions, transfer embargoes and failed takeovers in his time with the Royals but has guided a young squad into the play-off positions.

Hull have hardly been a model of stability either, with Selles their third manager in seven months after Liam Rosenior was sacked in May despite finishing seventh in the Championship last season.

Walter, meanwhile, lasted just under five months, winning only three of his 17 league matches.

In contrast Selles, who failed to keep Southampton in the top flight in a short four-month tenure in 2022-23, has punched above his weight at Reading.

After finishing 17th in 2023-24 despite a six-point deduction, Selles has steered Reading into sixth place in League One, winning nine of their 17 league games.

Selles is expected to attend Hull's game against in-form Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, although it remains to be seen if he will be in the dugout.