New manager update: “Exceptional” coach emerging as strong contender to replace Silva at Fulham 

Is Marco Silva leaving Fulham?

Silva rejected an initial approach to manage Al-Ahli, but he is now weighing up a new and improved €40m (£34.7m) offer to join the Saudi Arabian club on a two-year deal.

The Portuguese manager is set to speak to owner Shahid Khan before he makes any decision, but his future remains very much up in the air, given that his release clause is just £6m – an amount that Al-Ahli are willing to pay.

Talks have been held between Saudi officials and the Fulham manager’s agents, so it is clear that he is considering the move, and the Cottagers may now have to start considering potential replacements.

According to a report from 90min, one of the managers being considered is Potter, with the former Chelsea boss now emerging as a strong contender for the job, as he is keen to manage again in the Premier League, having rejected an offer from Leicester City in the summer.

Fulham have recently flown to the USA to begin their pre-season tour, and it is a big concern that their manager may not be in charge for any of the upcoming games, with the Premier League season now just three weeks away.

The hierarchy would like Silva to sign a new contract as his current deal has just 12 months left to run, but they are waiting to see the outcome of the latest round of talks with Al-Ahli.

Has Graham Potter won any trophies?

The Solihull-born manager has won just one trophy in his managerial career thus far, winning the 2016-17 Swedish Cup during his time with Ostersunds. However, he still has a very impressive track record.

After choosing to leave Brighton & Hove Albion to join Chelsea, Seagulls chairman Tony Bloom expressed his gratitude for the foundations the 48-year-old laid down at the club, saying: “He has done exceptionally well over the past three-and-a-bit seasons, he is an exceptional head coach and an exceptional person. He will be hugely missed at our football club.

“He leaves an excellent legacy for his successor with the club in its highest ever position, and on the back of leading us to our highest finish in the club’s history last season.