Fulham manager Marco Silva has declined an offer to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
The 46-year-old recently engaged in discussions with officials from Al-Ittihad, a club owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United.
Following Silva’s decision, former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli is now considered the leading candidate, after Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo was sacked.
Fulham has remained confident in retaining Silva, especially after a similar approach from Al-Ahli, another club controlled by PIF, last summer.
Silva has received widespread acclaim for his leadership at Fulham, successfully avoiding relegation in two consecutive seasons following the club’s promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.