Sources: Fulham ‘doing everything’ to prevent Marco Silva from quitting
Fulham have endured a mixed start to the Premier League season so far after what proved to be a difficult transfer window in West London.
Marco Silva’s side lost 1-0 to Arsenal last time out, and face a trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle next as their difficult run of fixtures continues.
The Cottagers have won two, drawn two and lost four of their eight games so far this season, leaving them 15th in the Premier League table at this stage.
However, concerns off the field have been more prevalent at Craven Cottage, with Silva‘s contract situation beginning to concern the club’s hierarchy.
This comes after Silva was linked with the Nottingham Forest job, and Man United were interested in the Fulham boss, who has less than a year remaining on his contract.
Fulham doing everything to agree new Marco Silva contract
Football Insider revealed on 19 October that Silva has a hefty release clause in his Fulham contract, believed to be worth over £10million, to deter interest from rivals.
Meanwhile, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Fulham’s efforts to keep Silva at Craven Cottage are expected to ramp up as they plan to offer him a new contract to extend his stay beyond the end of the season.
The Whites are prepared to do everything in their power to keep the Portuguese manager at the club despite the interest in his signature.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Obviously, Fulham are very keen to extend Silva’s contract, they don’t want to see him walk away in the summer.
“He will be a hard act to replace, he’s really established them as a stable Premier League side.
“They’ve finished 10th, 13th and 11th, and got a club record points tally last season, so he’s continually making improvement and progress at Craven Cottage.
“Fulham will be doing everything they can to extend the Portuguese’s contract.
“Obviously, he was in the reconning for the Nottingham Forest job before they appointed Sean Dyche, and there’s no lack of interest in him elsewhere as well.”
Silva led Fulham to their record points tally in the Premier League last season, and the board are determined to keep him around and build on their progress so far.
Doubts emerge about whether Silva will extend with Fulham
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 21 October that Silva is “likely” to walk away from Fulham upon the expiry of his contract.
Fulham are fearing the worst over Silva’s future and the possibility that he could be tempted away given the level of interest in his signature.
Their difficult start to the season has piled more pressure on the situation, with the boss more likely to leave if they continue to struggle in the league.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 4 September that Silva is not happy at Fulham and would be open to leaving after growing frustrated with the club.
A perceived lack of ambition in the transfer market and concerned about the club’s direction has led to suggestions the boss could walk away sooner rather than later.
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