Tottenham, Chelsea notice key Fulham man’s progress as representatives delay contract talks while belief grows

Fulham are confident that they have nothing to worry about in terms of losing Marco Silva after contract talks stalled, TEAMtalk has been told.

Silva has done an impressive job at Fulham over the past couple of seasons. At the time of the March international break, his side are ninth in the Premier League table.

They have comfortably been the best performing side out of the three that won promotion to the Premier League for the current campaign. European qualification might even be within reach with one final push.

Inevitably, it has led to interest in some of their key figures. For example, summer signing Andreas Pereira is emerging as a potential target for Chelsea to replace Mason Mount.

Manager Silva is also on the radar of some other clubs, including Tottenham, who are preparing to part ways with Antonio Conte, so it seems. Meanwhile, Chelsea could consider him if they move on from Graham Potter, which seems less likely at this stage.

Recent reports indicated that Fulham would respond by stepping up contract talks with Silva. As things stand, the Portuguese tactician would be out of contract at the end of next season.

However, TEAMtalk has been told by insider Graeme Bailey that Silva’s representatives are actually slowing down talks over his renewal.

That said, there is still a confidence at Craven Cottage that the former Hull City, Watford and Everton coach will commit.

Fulham still confident they can keep Marco Silva

Bailey told us: “Fulham are confident that Marco Silva will sign a contract extension despite talks stalling.

“Silva has just over 12 months on his current deal and the Cottagers are keen to reward their boss.

“After guiding Fulham out of the Championship at the first time of asking, they have now made a major impact on the Premier League’s top ten.

“His performance with Fulham has not gone unnoticed and links with Tottenham and Chelsea have emerged. It is understood his people have delayed talks for now.

“Despite this I am told Fulham believe that Silva will put pen to paper sooner rather than later.”

The 45-year-old is already in the seventh job of his managerial career. Prior to his four roles in English football, he led Estoril, Sporting CP and Olympiacos.

He has been with Fulham since July 2021, currently boasting a win rate of 51.8% after 83 matches in charge.

Silva has only spent longer at Estoril, who gave him his first taste of management after ending his playing career there.

Perhaps Fulham will become the second club with whom he oversees 100 matches or more in charge if all goes to plan.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are said to be serious about signing a Fulham midfielder who has also been linked with Man Utd.