Fulham are in discussions with Álvaro Arbeloa over the club's vacant managerial position, following Marco Silva's decision to leave Craven Cottage after five years at the helm.

Silva departed for Benfica — where he fills the void left by José Mourinho, who moved to Real Madrid — bringing an end to a successful tenure in west London. Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season.

Arbeloa's path to the dugout

Arbeloa, 43, spent the entirety of his coaching career at Real Madrid, rising through the youth academy set-up before stepping into the first-team role on an interim basis last season. He took the reins midway through the campaign after Xabi Alonso — now at Chelsea — departed the club.

As a player, Arbeloa forged strong ties with English football, representing both Liverpool and West Ham during his career alongside two separate stints at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Sources close to Fulham have moved to temper expectations, however, stressing that while Arbeloa is a serious candidate, negotiations are not as far along as some reports have suggested.

McKenna pursuit proves costly

The Cottagers had also held talks with Kieran McKenna, but a release clause of £8 million attached to his Ipswich Town contract made the move prohibitively expensive. McKenna has since left Ipswich of his own accord, citing a desire to take time away from the game to be with his family.