Benfica to target Fulham’s Marco Silva if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid

• Mourinho expected to return to Bernabéu

• Chelsea also keen on Silva, but Alonso is their first choice

Benfica will target Fulham’s Marco Silva as their manager if they lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Mourinho is Madrid’s preferred choice and talks have taken place over the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager returning to the Bernabéu.

Benfica do not want to lose the 63-year-old, who was hired last September, but need a contingency plan. They are looking at Silva as a potential replacement for Mourinho, who is expected to agree to a second spell at Madrid 13 years after his first ended.