Report: Benfica wants Marco Silva in charge if Rui Vitoria is shown exit

Marco Silva's romance with the British media could be fleeting.

The former Hull City and Watford tactician is being lined up as Rui Vitoria's potential replacement at Benfica, according to the Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke. The Lisbon giant has been interested in acquiring Silva's services for years, and may look to seize the opportunity if Vitoria can't secure a third consecutive Primeira Liga title.

Benfica is currently two points behind leader FC Porto, drawing three points closer over the weekend courtesy of a win over CD Aves on Saturday and Porto's 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Pacos de Ferreira the following day.

Silva, 40, has been available since he was sacked by Watford on Jan. 21. The Hornets blamed the downturn in results under his management on Everton's "unwarranted approach" for him in November. Watford didn't allow him to discuss the post with the Toffees, but eventually drafted in Javi Gracia as Silva's replacement after going through a run of one win in 11 Premier League matches.

Silva was brought to Watford on a wave of optimism after almost inspiring a hapless Hull City to Premier League safety the previous season. By then, Silva had already won a legion of followers for his tactical versatility. In Watford, he notably wrung the best out of Tom Cleverley and Abdoulaye Doucoure in a three-man midfield, and enjoyed an instant impact from summer purchase Richarlison.

Before his exploits in England, Silva managed Estoril and Sporting CP in his native Portugal.