Fulham‘s Marco Silva is in the running for the Benfica job with José Mourinho set to leave for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos endured a disappointing season as per their standards and want to bring their former manager back.
The possibility of Mourinho’s exit has seen the Eagles look at options and we relayed news last month that the Fulham boss is on their list.
On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Portugal of Fulham’s last-ditch efforts to retain Silva. His contract expires in June, and the manager has been edging towards the exit.
Fulham boss priority for Benfica
Marco Silva is on the front page of today’s edition of A Bola, with ‘No Amorim, Marco on track’ written in bold.
Within the report, they explain the Premier League coach is the frontrunner to replace José Mourinho at Benfica.
Fulham have made a good financial offer to the 48-year-old and are awaiting his decision. This won’t arrive before the last match of the season against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Benfica can’t match the figures proposed by the London club, who are also prepared to give him ‘more authority and autonomy in squad formation’. Essentially, if he stays, Silva would be backed more strongly on transfers.
At Benfica, he can compete for silverware and reunite with their general manager, Mário Branco. The pair worked at Estoril and have maintained a close relationship. A Bola insists this is one of the factors that makes the Eagles attractive.
The Portuguese club’s contact with the Fulham coach has been positive and negotiations are ongoing for an agreement. They are optimistic of resolving this case ‘as early as next week’.
Silva has a meeting scheduled with the London club at the end of this week.
