Benfica near Mourinho replacement as they raid Premier League

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Fulham manager Marco Silva is on the verge of leaving Craven Cottage to join Benfica as the direct successor to Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician is close to an agreement with the Lisbon heavyweights, who have launched a lucrative raid on the Premier League to secure their prime managerial target ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Lisbon giants close in on Silva

According to The Telegraph, the 48-year-old is increasingly likely to end his five-year tenure in West London to return to his homeland. Benfica have offered the former Everton boss a lucrative contract worth just over £4m a year to step into the dugout. With his current deal expiring next month, the Portuguese giants are positioned to secure his services without paying a hefty compensation package.

Fulham v Newcastle United - Premier League

Manager remains tight-lipped on future

The former Everton and Watford manager has refused to completely commit his future to the West London club as negotiations intensify. Following a final-day victory over Newcastle United, Silva openly admitted that his next move remained up in the air.

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.”

Mourinho triggers major European carousel

The sudden vacancy at the Estadio da Luz has been created by the movement of iconic head coach Mourinho. The veteran manager is poised to seal a sensational return to Madrid for the second time in his illustrious career. This impending switch follows a wider trend of managerial departures from the Premier League this summer, following the exits of Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, and Oliver Glasner

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League

Craven Cottage board faces crucial rebuild

The London club must now prepare for a daunting transitional phase after a stable era under their departing manager. Having achieved a club-record 54 top-flight points, replacing his influence will require complex compensation structures for prospective targets. The board will likely test the waters for candidates like Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna as the summer transfer window approaches.