Benfica open talks with Marco Silva as Fulham manager weighs up exit
Fulham manager Marco Silva is in talks to become the new head coach of Benfica following the expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage this summer.
The Portuguese club are searching for a new manager after Jose Mourinho departed the Estadio da Luz for a second spell at Real Madrid.
The West London side remain desperate to retain their current boss and have offered him a new three-year deal worth £8m annually.
Fulham executives previously believed the danger of his departure had passed when Chelsea opted to appoint Xabi Alonso rather than poaching their local rival.
Return to Portugal appeals
A move back to his homeland is now emerging as a serious possibility for the tactician.
The Eagles finished third in the Portuguese top flight this season, trailing champions Porto and runners-up Sporting.
Consequently, the Lisbon outfit face a challenging route through the Europa League qualifying rounds before the new campaign begins.
The former Everton and Watford manager has enjoyed a highly successful tenure by the Thames since arriving in 2021.
He guided the Cottagers to the Championship title in his debut season before establishing them firmly in the Premier League mid-table.
Amorim rejects Benfica approach
Benfica initially identified Ruben Amorim as their preferred candidate to replace the outgoing Mourinho.
Despite local media speculation suggesting a deal was close, the highly-rated coach decisively rejected the exploratory approach.
His representatives, the AS1 agency, firmly denied any negotiations with domestic rivals had taken place.
“Ruben Amorim made the decision a long time ago to pursue his career abroad.”
“Therefore, he has not met with any Portuguese clubs to discuss working conditions, structure, squad, salary, or anything else.”
“Anything said beyond this is mere speculation and does not correspond to reality.”