Marco Silva emerges as Tottenham’s top manager target to replace Antonio Conte after stunning Fulham season

MARCO SILVA is emerging as the top contender to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham.

Conte’s future at Spurs is under serious scrutiny with his contract expiring this summer.

The Italian coach, 53, insists he will see out the remainder of the season but his departure appears inevitable with no talks of extending his stay in north London so far.

And SunSport understands that should Conte leave, Spurs view Fulham boss Silva as a leading option to fill the vacancy.

Portuguese coach Silva has overseen a remarkable campaign at Craven Cottage, guiding them to automatic promotion back to the Premier League last May.

Despite losing 3-0 at home to leaders Arsenal on Sunday, Fulham are on course to finish in the top half and are currently challenging for a European spot with 11 league games left.

Silva – whose contract at Fulham expires at the end of next season – is viewed as an incredibly talented young boss, 45, and has dramatically rebuilt his reputation in west London since getting sacked by Everton in December 2019.

Mauricio Pochettino has also been linked with a return to Tottenham, as well as former Spain and Barcelona chief Luis Enrique and ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will have admired the way Silva has built a team capable of competing without breaking the bank – a model he still enforces at the club.

However, it remains unknown whether skipper Harry Kane would see Silva’s appointment as proof the club can win trophies in the near future – potentially forcing him to consider his options in the summer transfer window.

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Levy and director of football Fabio Paratici will be tasked with putting together Conte’s replacement shortlist, keen to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2021.

Having sacked Jose Mourinho in April and missing out on several big names, they hired Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just 10 Prem games before Conte finally followed.

Conte signed an 18-month contract in November 2021 with the option of a further year, leading them to a fourth-placed finish last season.

However, despite spending £170m in the summer, they are in a battle to finish in the top four come May, and are 18 points off rivals and top-spot Gunners.

Conte has also been criticised in recent weeks for his team selections and style of play as Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup fifth round by Sheffield United and the Champions League last 16 by AC Milan.