Next Fulham Manager Odds: Can Frank Lampard be lured back to west London?

After five years, the Marco Silva era has come to an end at Fulham. The Protuguese coach has opted to depart the Cottagers at the end of his contract and he is hotly-anticipated to succeed Jose Mourinho at Benfica back in his homeland.

Unlike the recent vacancy at fellow Premier League side Liverpool, this is a role that looks like it could go in as many directions as Spaghetti Junction. Below I take a look at who the leading contenders are according to Betfred's next Fulham manager odds.

Kieran McKenna @ 7/4

Betfred have Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna as the favourite to replace Silva at Craven Cottage. With the Whites in search of replacing one of the longest-serving coaches in their history, McKenna may fit the bill for the Cottagers.

The Northern Irishman has been in his role for almost five years himself and he has built the Tractor Boys up from a League One side to a Premier League outfit, having just led them to a second promotion to the top-flight in the space of two years.

Whether he can be convinced now is the right time to leave Suffolk remains to be seen, but he's regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in the country and he'll be on many clubs' radar.

Next Fulham Manager Odds

Thomas Frank @ 3/1

Thomas Frank is about to jet off to North America for the FIFA World Cup with the BBC but the former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford boss is likely a name being considered by the Fulham hierarchy.

He's been out of work since February, so he'll likely be looking for a new coaching gig before the new season starts. I'm sorry to tell the Dane that Football Focus has been canned, so a good performance on camera with the 'Beeb' in the next few weeks is unlikely to trigger an extension in this particular field.

Forgetting his time at Spurs, he built up a stellar reputation at Fulham's west London rivals Brentford. It's a move that may feel weird to both sets of supporters but I don't think the Cottagers will deny that they'd be getting an established manager at this level.

Frank Lampard @ 7/1

Sticking on the Frank trend, Frank Lampard could be tempted by a return to west London given his history as both a player and manager at Chelsea. Not to mention the fact that he still resides there with his family.

A move to Fulham would at the very least reduce his commute. It impacts decision-making for us mere mortals when it comes to jobs, so Lampard is likely to think about it if an offer were presented.

His coaching career has had its ups and downs but he's certainly been the best English offering out of himself, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

His stock has risen heavily this season because of his Championship title win with Coventry City. He's adored by the Sky Blues fan base and I think it'll take some convincing for him to leave them at this moment. But this is football after all. Stranger things have happened.

It is also being reported that Crystal Palace are trying their luck with appointing the Premier League legend to fill their vacancy now that Oliver Glasner has departed.

Liam Rosenior @ 10/1

One person who could benefit from getting the Fulham gig is Liam Rosenior. If he's still living in this part of the capital having only recently lost his job as the Chelsea boss, it would save a whole lot of packing.

No but seriously, I think Rosenior took a big risk with Chelsea, as has everyone else who has taken it in recent years in my eyes. This is simply because of the current ownership model and the problem of managers inheriting players from different coaches.

It's tough to build any success there and Rosenior made such a step too early in his career, in my opinion. I think he did a largely good job at Hull City in the Championship, and he was regarded for his work with Strasbourg.

I think a club like Fulham would've been the best place for the former defender to start in building his Premier League coaching career.

Arne Slot @ 14/1

Having just been let go by Liverpool, I'm unsure how soon Arne Slot will want to jump back into management but he comes in at 14/1 in the market. The Dutchman had a great first year in the Premier League as he led the Reds to the title.

However, the past season was nowhere near as good and he left having alienated a large chunk of the dressing room and the fan base. His stock has taken a hit and Fulham may likely look elsewhere in someone to replace a figure who has overseen a steady five-year period at the Cottage.

Football Odds

Kjetil Knutsen @ 14/1

Kjetil Knutsen is a man who has been listed in most Premier League manager markets in recent years, and he is someone I would like to see in England.

The Bodo/Glimt boss has garnered praise for his work in Sweden, especially when his team have pulled off some big results in the UEFA Champions League, such as a victory over Pep Guardiola's Manchester City last term.

He plays an exciting brand of attacking football that would certainly get the Fulham faithful on their feet. However, he's been linked with more attractive posts in the past and still he remains with the Superlaget.