Tottenham have put Fulham boss Marco Silva at the top of their managerial shortlist as they consider replacing Antonio Conte, it has been claimed.
The North London side are once again set to go trophyless throughout the campaign after their Champions League elimination. They are also firmly embroiled in a battle to secure a place in the top-four.
Fans have also made their displeasure at Conte known with a decision expected to be made over the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss imminently. The Italian is out of contract at the end of the campaign with reports claiming that Daniel Levy could elect to make a change.
According to The Sun, Fulham manager Silva is at the top of the list of potential replacements should Conte be jettisoned. The Portuguese has led the West London side to a brilliant campaign in what is their first season back in the Premier League.
Despite their 3-0 reverse at the hands of Arsenal, they are still contenders for a European spot as they occupy eighth place and also face an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United this weekend. Silva has just over 18 months remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage but refused to be drawn on rumours over an exit.
Speaking recently, the former Hull, Watford and Everton boss said: “I will not make any comments on that. I cannot control what the people myself as a manager, our players, other managers as well, we cannot control what other people write about the situations. I don’t make any comments on that.
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“You know my contract. I have this season and another year contract with this football club. I am really happy here - not any comments on that.”
Should Silva be in contention, that would see the chances of Mauricio Pochettino making an emotional return to Tottenham hit with a blow. The Argentine is currently out of work following a spell with PSG and has been linked with a move back to North London.
In the meantime, current Spurs boss Conte has remained tight-lipped over what his future could hold but suggested that talks will be held regarding his position.
“I have a contract with Tottenham and Tottenham know very well my thoughts,” the Italian said. “At the end of the season we meet and then make a decision.
"The situation is really clear. It's one year and two months since I started, I always say the same thing, we need time and patience. At this moment we don't have a solid foundation to be competitive and win. We try to work and get the right players to get the right foundation and try to find the solution in the transfer market for the right team.
"I have a great relationship with the chairman. I have a contract until June, I'm ready to work at Tottenham. At the end there will be a decision.”
