Fulham in talks to appoint Arbeloa as Silva's replacement

Silva spent five years in charge at Craven Cottage but has opted to leave for Portuguese giants Benfica after they lost Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid.

Arbeloa, 43, was in charge at Madrid at the end of last season on an interim basis, having replaced incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso midway through the campaign.

He is now a strong contender for the role in west London, but sources close to the club have played down suggests that talks are advanced at this stage.

Arbeloa spent his entire coaching career at Madrid, working his way up from the youth teams to the interim position last season.

As a player, he had two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and also played in the Premier League for both Liverpool and West Ham.

The Cottagers are also known to have held talks with Kieran McKenna, but it would have cost £8m to release him from his contract at Ipswich Town. He has since departed the club, saying he wanted a break to spend time with his family.

Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season.

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