Marco Silva is close to reaching an agreement to take charge at Benfica after leaving Fulham.

Silva, 48, had been offered a new deal by the Cottagers but the club confirmed on Tuesday that he would be departing after five years in west London.

Silva's contract at Craven Cottage is due to expire this month but it is understood discussions have progressed significantly between him and Benfica and an agreement is within reach.

Benfica are looking to appoint a successor to Jose Mourinho, who has left the club and signed a three-year deal to become Real Madrid's new head coach, pending their presidential elections on Sunday.

Mourinho, 63, took over at Benfica for a second spell in September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga without losing a league game.

Fulham finished 11th in the top flight last season, level on 52 points with Chelsea and Silva was among the contenders to succeed Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge prior to Xabi Alonso's appointment.

Silva joined Fulham in July 2021 from Everton and guided them back to the Premier League in his first season, following the club's relegation to the Championship a year earlier.

Fulham become the fifth Premier League side to be in the market for a new manager just over one week after the conclusion of the campaign. 

In an open letter to fans, Silva said: 'To our fans – I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together.

'My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage.'