Marco Silva is close to leaving Fulham having reached a verbal agreement with Benfica, talkSPORT understands.
Silva is high on Benfica’s list to replace Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho, and is building a house close to Lisbon.
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It’s understood Fulham are awaiting formal communication from Silva over his desire to leave.
Fulham’s offer of a three-year contract worth £8million-a-year is far more lucrative than what Benfica are willing to pay.
talkSPORT understands Benfica are offering a salary of around £4m-a-year to the Portuguese.
As we reported last week, they have turned their attention to Silva as dream target Ruben Amorim is reluctant to take the job.
Benfica finished third and unbeaten in the Portuguese top flight under Mourinho, who is set to return to Madrid this summer.
Silva held an end of season debrief with first-team coaching staff earlier this week, which some have taken to mean he plans to depart.
The west Londoners are pushing for a definite answer before the end of May.
Silva success at Fulham
Formerly of Hull City, Watford and Everton, Silva joined Fulham as head coach in July 2021 after their relegation to the Championship.
The 48-year-old guided them to the title and therefore sealed their instant return to the Premier League in his first season.
Fulham have since finished 10th, 13th, 11th and 11th in the top flight, with 54 points in the 2024/25 campaign their record tally.
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Silva has also taken them to two FA Cup quarter-finals, as well as the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup during his time at Craven Cottage.
Fulham vice chairman Tony Khan told talkSPORT in February that he thinks Silva will be at the club for ‘a long time’.
However, the Portuguese’s contract expires at the end of June and as it stands, he will leave the club.
Silva was linked with the Chelsea job towards the end of the season, but they have instead opted to name Xabi Alonso as manager.
A move to Benfica would see him return to the Primeira Liga in Portugal 11 years after he left their rivals Sporting.
Silva will also be tasked with guiding them to the Europa League league phase, as they have reached the second qualifying round.
