English Premier League club takes new steps regarding 'Amorim replacement candidate'

Fulham's management is preparing to officially negotiate a new contract with head coach Marco Silva, amid reports that the Portuguese coach is being monitored by Manchester United should the "Red Devils" part ways with Ruben Amorim.

According to information from The Athletic, Fulham has informed Silva about plans to extend his current contract, which expires at the end of this season and includes a release clause around £15 million. Although detailed negotiations have not yet begun, both parties are willing to continue their cooperation.

Since arriving at Craven Cottage in 2021, Marco Silva led Fulham to promotion to the Premier League in his first season as Championship champions, then helped the team maintain their position in England's toughest league for three consecutive seasons. This achievement earned him widespread praise and put him on Manchester United's radar as a backup option for Ruben Amorim during a turbulent early season period.

Besides Manchester United, Nottingham Forest also considered appointing Marco Silva after dismissing Ange Postecoglou. However, the club ultimately chose a different direction and is close to appointing Sean Dyche, who has extensive Premier League experience.

Silva previously had a close relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis while managing Olympiacos, but Fulham is reportedly unwilling to lose the Portuguese coach, especially as the club strives to stabilize performance after three consecutive losses.

Before last weekend's 0-1 defeat to Arsenal, Marco Silva revealed that he had met with Chairman Shahid Khan, who recently flew to London to watch both the club and his NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, play at Wembley.

“I have met him,” Silva shared. “We discussed many things, not just the contract. I always feel like a part of this club. It's normal for other teams to show interest in me and the coaching staff, but my focus remains entirely on Fulham.”

The 48-year-old coach also assured that his future would not affect the team's morale: “I've been here nearly five years, maybe even longer. The contract is not something that disrupts the season. When the time is right, we will talk.”

Fulham's proactive approach to retaining Marco Silva is seen as a strategic move, not only to ensure stability on the pitch but also to prevent major clubs like Manchester United from interfering with their long-term plans. With his talent, composure, and sensible football philosophy, Silva is currently regarded as one of the top coaches outside the Premier League's "Big Six."