Benfica close to appointing Marco Silva as Mourinho's successor

Marco Silva looks set to leave Craven Cottage to take charge at Benfica, who have launched a lucrative raid on the Premier League to land their prime managerial target. The Lisbon club have offered the former Everton boss a contract worth just over £4m a year, and with his current deal expiring next month they are positioned to secure him without paying a hefty compensation package.

Silva has refused to commit his future to Fulham as negotiations continue. After a final-day victory over Newcastle United he said: "To be honest I don’t know if for sure I will decide something. I will be the first one to enjoy a different farewell from the players and from the fans because the decision is not made yet.

I am going to speak with the club again, like we have been speaking, and after that we are going to decide together." The vacancy at the Estadio da Luz has been created by Jose Mourinho’s impending return to Madrid for a second spell.

Portugal, Lisbon

marco silva, benfica, jose mourinho, fulham, craven cottage, premier league, £4m, everton, newcastle united, lisbon