Fulham are eyeing a move for an “unbelievable” manager, with Marco Silva, whose contract is up in the summer, yet to commit to an extension.
Silva faces criticism after FA Cup exit
Given that the Cottagers are already at the 40-point mark in the Premier League, there was a real opportunity to go all out in the FA Cup, but they exited the competition at the round of 16 stage, with Championship side Southampton securing a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage.
Considering the west Londoners have never won a major trophy in their history, it was a strange decision to make nine changes to the starting XI against the Saints, and Chris Coleman was critical of Silva’s decision.
That said, the 48-year-old has done a stellar job at Craven Cottage, with his side currently playing in the Premier League for a fourth consecutive season, after he guided them to promotion in the 2021-22 campaign.
As such, replacing Silva this summer will be a difficult task, should he be unwilling to sign a contract extension, but Fulham have now identified Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou as a potential replacement.
That is according to a report from Sports Boom, which states the Cottagers have joined the packed race for Askou, who has also been attracting interest from Celtic, Blackburn Rovers and Brighton, courtesy of the job he’s done in his first season at Motherwell.
The Dane’s stock is said to be ‘sky high’, with the Steelmen currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership, just ten points behind league leaders Hearts, and there is a belief he will land a ‘top job’ this summer.
“Unbelievable” Askou could be ready for Premier League move
East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy has been left impressed by the way in which the former FC Copenhagen manager has adapted to life in Scotland, saying: “Once you spend time in his company you quickly realise what an unbelievable talented coach/manager he is. Under pined by this is his characteristics as a person, he has an aura about him.”
Motherwell have taken major strides this season, having been part of the relegation group in the previous campaign, with the 43-year-old averaging just shy of two points per game across all competitions.
Jens Berthel Askou’s Motherwell record
Games
38
Wins
21
Draws
11
Losses
6
Points per game
1.95
The Danish manager has caught the eye in some of his previous roles too, winning four trophies across spells with FC Copenhagen, HB Torshavn and AC Horsens.
Askou could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, but appointing him would be a gamble for Fulham, given that he has no experience in English football, and retaining Silva should be their number one priority.
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Fulham now pushing to sign £30m striker in effort to convince Silva to stay
The Cottagers are currently working on a deal.