Marco Silva to trigger release clause and leave Hull City after Premier League relegation

Marco Silva turned Hull City's fortunes around before his side ran out of steam towards the end of the season

The Portuguese met with club owners Assem and Ehab Allam last night and has elected to pursue other options, despite the Tigers having been keen to retain his services.

Silva's contractual commitments ended on Sunday, with the short-term deal that he signed in January expiring at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old, who has already held talks with FC Porto back in homeland, is on the wanted list of several clubs, with managerless Watford also strongly linked.

Crystal Palace, seeking a new boss following this week's departure of Sam Allardyce and Southampton, who are being tipped to part company with Claude Puel, have also emerged as other possible destinations for Silva, who has earned admirers for his work in East Yorkshire - despite Hull's relegation.

Speaking about his future after Sunday's 7-1 loss to Spurs, Silva said: “It is not the moment (to decide). I need to analyse and see what is not just the best way for the club, but me as well.

“You cannot decide everything with your heart. Of course, it (support) is important. It is fantastic to me, but I need to think and decide what is the best way for my career.

“If I only look for the connection between us and the fans, it is important to say no. But I need to look for other things as well.”

Silva took charge of 22 matches at Hull, who are now set for their third manageriakl change in less than a year.