Fulham vice-chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan has confirmed the club are in discussions with two candidates they "really like" as they search for a successor to Marco Silva.

Silva departed Craven Cottage earlier this month after five years in charge, agreeing to take over at Benfica following Jose Mourinho's exit — with Mourinho himself heading to Real Madrid as head coach.

Two frontrunners emerge

Khan, speaking on FFCtv, said Fulham had anticipated Silva, 48, would sign a new contract and remain at the club. However, the American businessman confirmed the search for his replacement is progressing well, with several promising conversations already held.

"There have been a lot of names mentioned and it is interesting because it is going very well and there has been a few great conversations in particular," Khan said. "We have got a few people that the board are talking to that are very exciting and interesting candidates."

He was also keen to dispel speculation, noting that some reported frontrunners were "people we have never talked to or never even had a conversation about."

Khan added: "There are two in particular who have had multiple meetings with the board and who we really like, but we are open to more conversations and talking to more people. We are working on that process right now."

Arbeloa and Lampard in contention

BBC Sport reported last week that Fulham were in advanced discussions with Alvaro Arbeloa, 43, for the role. The Spanish coach served as Real Madrid's interim manager at the end of last season after stepping in for Xabi Alonso — who has since been appointed as Chelsea's new head coach.

Frank Lampard, 47, has also been linked with the post. The former England midfielder guided Coventry City back to the Premier League last season, winning the Championship title. Lampard began his managerial career at Derby before further spells at Chelsea and Everton.

Fulham are also understood to have held talks with Kieran McKenna, who stepped down as Ipswich Town manager following their promotion to the Premier League, citing a desire for a break to spend time with family.

Fulham's ambitions

The west London club finished 11th in the Premier League last season, missing out on European qualification by just two points — underlining the ambition to bring in a manager capable of closing that gap.