Fulham face fight to keep Marco Silva as Benfica signal interest | OneFootball

Fulham manager Marco Silva is poised to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to talkSPORT.

The Portuguese manager has yet to commit his future to Fulham, sparking plenty of speculation about where he could end up this summer.

He isn’t short of options, with clubs across Europe keeping a close eye on his situation at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are desperate to retain Silva’s services. They have repeatedly made it clear that they want the 48-year-old tactician to remain in London.

However, the Cottagers are losing the battle to keep him at the club, as contract talks between the two parties have yet to yield any positive results.

While Fulham haven’t started preparing for the possibility of losing Silva, the Portuguese manager may already have another job lined up.

Silva is a key target for Portuguese giants Benfica, who are looking to replace Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho this summer.

He would jump at the chance to return to his homeland. Benfica’s sporting project could also attract him, as they are set to play in the Europa League next season.

Benfica initially wanted to bring Ruben Amorim back to the Portuguese top flight. But he was reluctant to join his former rivals, given the success he enjoyed with Sporting CP.

Amorim’s reluctance has opened the door for Silva, whose work in the Premier League has continued to attract attention across Europe.

The timing could be difficult for Fulham. They have attempted to secure Silva’s future with a lucrative new deal worth around £8 million per year, but negotiations have yet to be finalised.

The delay has naturally increased speculation over whether a return home could tempt the Portuguese manager.

Silva was under serious consideration for the previously vacant Chelsea job alongside outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.

However, the Blues ultimately appointed Xabi Alonso.