West Ham would have to shell out £8.6m if they want Fulham boss Marco Silva to replace David Moyes in the dugout, according to The Sun.

The English tabloid claim that the Hammers could yet target the Portuguese boss for the manager’s post at the London Stadium, having previously considered him for the job.

However, the cost of appointing Silva could prove prohibitive if, as expected, Fulham hold out for the release clause.

The Cottagers head coach was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last summer, with both Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli said to be keen on hiring him as manager.

Silva ultimately decided against leaving Fulham and he even signed a new three-year contract with the club back in October. With the release clause in place, though, the size of the payoff may discourage interest from West Ham and other teams.

Silva has had a successful time at Craven Cottage

The 46-year-old was appointed Fulham manager in 2021 and he guided them to promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge. He also managed to secure a 10th-place finish last campaign after their return to the top flight, with BBC pundit Micah Richards praising him for his achievement:

“Marco Silva has been excellent. He’s not only stabilised them but he has got a way of playing that suits the players he has got in the team. And he can mix it up. I just think the story of Fulham… he has got to be up for Manager of the Year.”

Things haven’t been quite as straightforward this season, with his side sitting in 13th position, but they are well clear of the relegation zone with 7 games to go.

Are West Ham pursuing other managers?

Two former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been linked with the West Ham job, along with ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and Nottingham Forest’s former head coach Steve Cooper.

It remains to be seen where Silva would be high on the shortlist of replacements if Moyes does decide to leave this summer.