Fulham face a fight to keep Marco Silva out of the clutches of Benfica.
The Portuguese giants are on the hunt for a new manager with Jose Mourinho set for a sensational return to Real Madrid this summer.
talkSPORT understands Benfica have turned their attentions to Silva with dream target Ruben Amorim reluctant to take the job.
Silva is out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer and had been stalling on signing a bumper new £8million-a-year contract.
Benfica, who went unbeaten this season but finished third, can offer the Portuguese boss the chance to manage in the Europa League next term.
It would also represent a first professional return to his homeland in Lisbon since he left Sporting in 2015.
Meanwhile, Fulham are set to miss out on Europe next season with eighth place out of their reach on the final day of the Premier League, barring an unrealistic goal difference swing.
The Cottagers have slipped to 13th having won just one of their last six league matches.
“Undecided”
Silva’s future has been a source of constant speculation among Fulham fans this season.
On Sunday, the former Hull and Everton manager remained tight-lipped when asked where he will be next season.
He said: “I have not decided. I understand the fans want to know the future of the club.
“The club and I cannot communicate anything when the decision is not made.”
Silva’s Fulham career
Since leaving Portugal 11 years ago, Silva has also had spells in charge of Olympiacos and Watford.
However, his longest tenure has been with the Cottagers, with this season his fifth at the club.
Following his appointment in the summer of 2021, Silva guided Fulham to the Championship title and an immediate Premier League return.
They have since established themselves in the top-flight with finishes of 10th, 13th and 11th across the last three seasons.
At almost five years, Silva’s tenure is the third-longest in the Premier League behind Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
Across his 151 Premier League matches as Fulham boss, Silva has picked up 57 wins.
Another victory at home to Newcastle United on Sunday would see his side leapfrog their opponents and potentially finish in the top half.
Fulham are two points behind 10th place Sunderland, with west London rivals Brentford a further point ahead in ninth.