Silva to leave Fulham as he closes in on Benfica move

Silva to leave Fulham as he closes in on Benfica moveImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Marco Silva is the second-longest serving manager in the Premier League, after Arsenal's Mikel ArtetaPublishedJust nowFulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed he will leave the Cottagers after five years in charge, with the 48-year-old close to agreeing a deal to take over at Benfica.Silva's contract expires at the end of June and uncertainty surrounded his future during the final months of the season. The Portuguese had been offered a new three-year deal with the club keen to keep him.Silva, who had previously managed Hull City, Watford and Everton in England, was appointed in 2021 when Fulham were in the Championship.He steered the London club to promotion in his first season and has since established them as a Premier League side.Victory over Newcastle on the final day sealed an 11th-placed finish in this year's top flight. Fulham finished 10th, 13th and 11th in his other Premier League seasons in charge.More to follow.Related topicsEuropean FootballFootballPremier LeagueFulhamMore on this storyLatest Fulham news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Fulham - what do you want to know?