Marco Silva is ready to commit his long-term future to Fulham after rejecting lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, according to a report from the i’s Mark Douglas this afternoon.

The I’s story confirms our article yesterday that the Portuguese head coach had turned down another offer from Al-Hilal, who have now confirmed the appointment of Jorge Jesus as their new manager. Silva was reportedly offered around £17m a year by the Public Investment Fund-backed club, who signed Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves in a deal worth a reported £47m. There were worries over whether Silva, who had been waiting to ascertain the extent of Fulham’s ambition ahead of the new campaign, would leave Craven Cottage – but the i says that he is now prepared to put pen to paper on the long-term contract that the Fulham hierarchy have offered.

Silva believes he still has unfinished business in the English game, having been sacked by Everton, and is also acutely aware that some observers question his loyalty after entertaining approaches from Goodison Park whilst he was in charge of Watford. The 45 year-old is also excited by the prospect of building on two superb seasons in SW6, having led Fulham back to the top flight at the first attempt by winning the Championship in style after succeeding Scott Parker. He then steered the Whites to tenth last season, making a mockery of pre-season predictions of a season of struggle.