Fulham consider Hugo Oliveira as Marco Silva successor after McKenna setback

Fulham are reportedly considering Hugo Oliveira as they intensify their search for a successor to Marco Silva following the Portuguese coach's departure to Benfica.

The Craven Cottage club are assessing a number of candidates as they prepare for a new era, but reports from Portugal suggest Oliveira has emerged as one of the leading contenders.

His previous association with both Silva and Fulham could ultimately give him an advantage as the club aims to appoint a new manager quickly.

According to O Jogo, Fulham's recruitment process is currently centred around Portuguese coaches.

The club are believed to have compiled an extensive shortlist following Silva's exit, but several early targets have already become difficult to secure.

Kieran McKenna was viewed as a strong contender before deciding to step away from management after leaving Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim is reportedly not interested in taking charge of a club he perceives as having lower ambitions than Manchester United.

Those developments have narrowed the field and increased attention on alternative options from Portugal.

At present, Oliveira and Abel Ferreira are understood to be among the leading candidates under consideration.

Oliveira's credentials extend beyond his recent work at Famalicão.

The 46-year-old guided the Portuguese club to the highest league finish in their history and narrowly missed out on European qualification following an impressive campaign.

Perhaps more importantly from Fulham's perspective, he already knows the club extremely well.

Oliveira previously worked alongside Silva as an assistant coach during their time at Fulham and was also part of the coaching teams at Hull City, Watford and Everton.

That experience provides familiarity with both the Premier League and the internal structure at Craven Cottage.

Having followed Fulham's development under Silva, continuity may be viewed as an important factor. Oliveira would arrive with a detailed understanding of many of the principles that helped establish the club in the Premier League.

Abel Ferreira continues to be another serious option.

The Palmeiras manager has built an outstanding reputation in South America and has regularly been linked with opportunities in Europe.

However, convincing him to leave Brazil has proven difficult in the past.

Reports indicate Ferreira has repeatedly rejected approaches from interested clubs, creating uncertainty around whether Fulham would be able to secure an agreement.

That situation may strengthen Oliveira's position further.

Fulham are not limiting their search exclusively to Portuguese coaches.

A number of familiar names continue to be linked with the vacancy, including Frank Lampard, Scott Parker, Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and Kjetil Knutsen.

Despite that competition, Portuguese reports suggest Oliveira is currently among the most prominent candidates being discussed internally.

The club are reportedly aiming to finalise an appointment next week.

Fulham's hierarchy are expected to accelerate discussions over the coming days as they look to avoid uncertainty heading into pre-season.

Oliveira's previous connection to the club and extensive Premier League experience could make him an increasingly attractive option, particularly if alternative targets prove difficult to secure.

The coming week may prove decisive as Fulham attempt to identify the coach they believe can build on the foundations left behind by Silva.

Would Hugo Oliveira be the right choice to continue Marco Silva's work at Fulham, or should the club pursue a more established managerial name?