Marco Silva has reportedly emerged as a managerial candidate for Portuguese giants Benfica.

In January, Silva was removed from his position at Watford after just eight months in charge, but the 40-year-old continues to attract interest from clubs in the Premier League and Europe.

According to The Independent, Benfica are giving consideration to making a change in the dugout, despite the club only sitting two points adrift of league leaders Porto.

Benfica have suffered just one league defeat in 26 matches, but it appears that Rui Vitoria could pay the price for the club's early elimination from European competition having finished bottom in a Champions League group involving Manchester United, Basel and CSKA Moscow.

Silva remains highly regarded in his homeland, having previously won the second-tier title with Estoril and lifting the Portuguese cup with Sporting Lisbon.