The former Watford manager is among the early favourites to succeed Mauricio Pellegrino at Southampton.
Southampton may have to move fast if they wish to appoint Marco Silva as manager. The former Watford boss is one of the early bookmakers favourites to succeed Mauricio Pellegrino at St Mary’s, after the Argentine’s sacking on Monday.
According to the Times however, Silva is close to agreeing a two-year deal with Benfica – which would see him earn £1.8 million per season.
The newspaper adds that the Portuguese coach – who was courted by Everton while at Watford and “remains in the Toffees’ thoughts” – is not prepared to wait with an attractive offer on the table from elsewhere.
Experienced in battle…
Southampton were among the clubs credited with interest in Silva last summer, after the 40-year-old narrowly failed to keep Hull City in the Premier League.
And his experience in a relegation battle could serve him well at the Saints, who sit only a place and a point above the bottom three.
That said, Silva is more commonly used to managing at the other end of the table, winning titles with Estoril and Olympiacos, either side of a spell at Benfica’s city rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal.
Should Southampton try to hijack Silva’s move?
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