Fulham boss Marco Silva watching on from the dugout
Fulham face a fight to keep hold of manager Marco Silva this summer, with Benfica in talks to appoint the Portuguese as their new boss, GIVEMESPORT understands.
GMS understands Benfica have turned their attentions to Silva as dream target Ruben Amorim is unlikely to take the job. Benfica are in the market for a new manager after it was confirmed that Jose Mourinho would be leaving the Estadio da Luz to become the Real Madrid boss for a second time.
Silva is out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer and is yet to inform Fulham if he will sign a new £8million-a-year deal. The offer is on the table, with Fulham hoping to tie him down to a three-year contract.
Silva has done a great job at Fulham
Marco Silva
Silva has been at the Whites since 2021, guiding them to the Championshp title in his first season, following their relegation from the Premier League the year before.
Silva then stopped Fulham from continuing their yo-yo tag by finishing comfortably in mid-table in each of the next three campaigns, with the Whites once again set to finish between 10th and 14th this time around with one fixture of the season left to play.
Fulham will have thought they had fought off any chance of their manager leaving the club this summer when Chelsea, who had been linked with poaching the 48-year-old from their west London rivals, instead chose to appoint Xabi Alonso as boss.
However, a move back to his homeland is now being put forward, with Silva weighing up the opportunity to return to Portugal.
Benfica finished third in the Portuguese league this season, two points behind Sporting in second and eight behind Porto who won the title. That means they will be in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers ahead of the new season getting under way.
Benfica had initially made an exploratory approach to former Manchester United boss Amorim, but he turned down the approach as he waits for the right opportunity for his next role.
Ruben Amorim was not close to joining Benfica
Ruben Amorim
Portuguese media suggested Amorim was close to be appointed but this has been denied by his agency AS1.
A statement to GMS read: "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."
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard celebrates promotion to the Premier League at parade
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard celebrates promotion to the Premier League at parade