Fulham boss Marco Silva has dismissed rumours that have linked him with the manager’s job at Al-Hilal.
The Saudi Pro League side are searching for a new manager after Jorge Jesus left his position earlier this month.
According to talkSPORT, Al-Hilal have made Silva a non-binding offer after identifying the Fulham boss as one of their top managerial targets.
The report claims that Silva is open to the job despite previously turning down offers to coach in the Saudi Pro League.
Silva addresses Fulham future
However, Silva played down the speculation when he spoke to reporters in Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s home meeting with Everton.
“About speculation, I will not go in that direction,” Silva told reporters. “I am completely focused on the club.
“Of course, there are always rumours, but what I can say to you right now is that my future is at Fulham football club next season.”
However, Silva, who is set to enter the final 12 months of his deal, refused to rule out the prospect of coaching outside Europe in the future when asked if would be open to managing in the Gulf region.
“Being a manager means you have to be open to everything with what the market can give you, but the last few years it is clear about what my ambitions are,” Silva added.
“I don’t close doors to something like that, I’m not saying I won’t work outside of Europe, it can happen in the future.”
Silva delivers injury update
Away from his future, Silva revealed that Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic and Timothy Castagne will all be absent for Saturday’s home fixture.
The Fulham boss said: “Some concerns for us, unfortunately. As you saw, Harrison Reed came off in the last 10 minutes of the game [against Aston Villa]. Timothy Castagne had surgery last Tuesday and will be out until pre-season. Sasa Lukic will be out too.
“Castagne will be ready for pre-season. Not from the first day of pre-season, he will probably lose one week or 10 days. He will be able to play some friendlies during that period to be ready for the start of the Premier League.
“Harrison Reed has a calf injury. It’s not so serious like we expected during that moment of the game, but the only one who will probably be able to play this season again is Sasa Lukic. He will probably be out for just one game, so let’s see if he’s back next week to help the team.
“In a crucial moment of the season for us, we are going to be without these important players, but we have to be resilient, and it’s always a chance for others to come in and show their quality.”
Fulham are also unable to call upon Reiss Nelson and Rodrigo Muniz due to hamstring and Achilles injuries respectively.
The Cottagers head into the weekend in 11th position and two points adrift of eighth place, which will become a European spot if Manchester City win the FA Cup.
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