The decision to take action against him comes after two youngsters, Tom Taiwo and Michael Woods, left Leeds recently to take up trials with Chelsea, where Worthington now works.
Ken Bates wrote in todays programme notes against Reading: "During the week we informed Gary Worthington, our former assistant academy director, that we will be commencing legal proceedings for breach of contract. As part of his pay off he undertook not to approach any of our players, parents or families for a period of five years. We believe that Worthington has breached that undertaking and we will be seeking substantial damages."