Fulham manager Silva rejects Al-Ittihad approach

Fulham manager Marco Silva has rejected the chance to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

The 46-year-old is believed to have recently held talks with officials from Al-Ittihad - a club under the control of the country’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United.

Former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli reportedly now is the frontrunner after Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo was sacked.

Fulham have been confident about keeping Silva amid interest after a similar approach from Al-Ahli, who are also controlled by PIF, last summer.

Silva has been widely praised for his leadership at Fulham after comfortably avoiding relegation in his two seasons following promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.