Marco-Silva-before-the-match-for-Fulham
Fulham have reportedly hatched a behind-the-scenes plan to stop manager Marco Silva from potentially joining Tottenham.
The Lowdown: Conte leaving?
Spurs manager Antonio Conte is being heavily linked with leaving north London at the end of this 2022/2023 Premier League season.
Chairman Daniel Levy has the option to extend Conte’s stay by a further 12 months with the Italian’s contract expiring this year, but reports suggest that is unlikely at this stage.
Conte has been cryptic in regards to his future, stating to the press:
“The club knows very well what is my situation and they know what are my thoughts. We can’t do miracles. If I am to take the people as a target. I am not this person. The reality is this.
“We’ll see what happens in the future. I’m not stupid to kill myself. Until the end though I am ready to die for this club but then we’ll see, I’m not too stupid to keep killing myself.”
As such, Spurs are believed to have drawn up a managerial shortlist including the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank and Silva.
The Latest: Fulham hatch Silva plan…
According to a report by Football Insider, as Tottenham target Silva to potentially replace Conte, Fulham have hatched a plan behind-the-scenes to keep him out of Spurs’ clutches.
It is believed that the Whites are plotting to award ‘heavy backing’ to persuade him against leaving, coming amid their goal to tie him down with a new deal.
Indeed, Fulham will apparently hand Silva a ‘significant’ summer budget if he opts to remain at Craven Cottage, with his current contract expiring in 2024.
The Verdict: Exceptional manager…
After sealing promotion to the top flight last season, Silva has only took Fulham on leaps and bounds as they slowly put their reputation as a yo-yo club behind them.
They’re still well in contention for a European-qualifying place, lying just five points behind fifth-placed Newcastle, and this is largely down to the job Silva has done.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe will be looking over his shoulder at Fulham and has even waxed lyrical over Silva to Sky Sports this season, stating: “I think Marco’s been incredible this season, I think his team deserve a lot of credit.”
Since last summer, Fulham have spent just £62 million, making their league position and status all the more impressive considering the financial firepower of their rivals.
Taking all this into account, it’s hardly surprising Spurs have taken an interest.
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