Marco Silva’s move to Benfica could be off - reports

Fulham manager Marco Silva’s potential move to Benfica could be off, according to reports in Portuguese outlet A Bola.

Silva was expected to join Benfica to replace Jose Mourinho, who is set to become the manager of Real Madrid on June 7 upon the conclusion of their elections, assuming Florentino Perez succeeds in his bid to continue as president.

It was thought that the Portuguese manager wanted to return to his homeland, having spent a decade in England with Hull, Watford and Everton, before five years at Craven Cottage.

But, according to the report, negotiations between Silva and Benfica sporting director Rui Costa have stalled and the potential deal is at risk of falling through.

Silva still has a major offer from Fulham on the table that would make him the third-highest manager in the Premier League.

The Cottagers, in a desperate attempt to keep Silva at Craven Cottage have offered him a three-year contract worth £8 million a year.

Benfica, meanwhile are offering about half of that, although it is understood the issues are not solely around finances.

Silva has also been offered significantly more power in transfer dealings by Fulham, something it appears Costa is not prepared to give to Silva.

The report reads: “Negotiations between Benfica and Marco Silva have reached an impasse in recent hours. 

“The club and the coach remain in contact, but risk not reaching an agreement. 

“The parties are still divided on significant aspects, ranging from the autonomy Marco Silva demands in managing the football operations to financial matters.”

Interestingly, the report also reveals that as part of Fulham’s attempts to keep Silva at the club, they have promised him over £100 million to invest in signings this summer.

It is understood that Silva has been deeply unhappy with the state of the Fulham squad, particularly with his options at striker and at right back.

Silva is said to be particularly ambitious and wants to be competing in European football, after spending five years at Craven Cottage in both the Championship and mid-table in the Premier League.

The report adds: “Marco Silva, in addition to his generous contract, has a promise from Fulham of a €150 million investment in signings this transfer window, to raise the team's competitive level and thus be able to fight with different tools and more ambition for new goals in England.”

Fulham are awaiting Silva’s response, but at this stage it would appear Benfica are also waiting for the 48-year-old to reply.

Roundtable reported earlier this week that there was a possibility that Silva ended up rejecting both the offers from Benfica and Fulham and that does remain a distinct possibility.

Costa, who is understood to want to replace Jose Mourinho as quickly as possible, is on the look out for alternative options to Silva, and if no agreement is reached in the coming days, it appears the deal will come to an end.

The report ends by saying: “Benfica have also sensed that Marco Silva may not be convinced and is already looking for alternatives, namely other coaches. 

“Initial contacts have already been made, which will proceed definitively if no agreement is reached with Marco Silva.”