Fulham head coach Marco Silva has rejected an approach to become the new coach of Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

The Riyadh-based outfit were prepared to pay the £6m release clause to ensure Silva, who followed the Championship title in his first campaign at Craven Cottage by guiding Fulham to tenth in the top flight, could coach former Wolves captain Reuben Neves, who signed for Al-Za’eem earlier this week for £47m. But the Portuguese coach, who has just a year to run on his current deal, is happy with the Whites and is meticulously preparing for another full season at the helm.

The 45 year-old was identified by PIF, the main investors in Newcastle United, as the man to replace Ramon Diaz, who left the club after finishing third last term. Silva has consistently said he will wait until he is satisfied by Fulham’s ambitions before signing the long-term contract the club have offered him after an incredible first two seasons in SW6.