Hull City manager Silva resigns

Hull made it clear that they were disappointed Silva was leaving but added that he would always be remembered for his efforts to try to keep the club in the top flight after replacing Mike Phelan on a short-term deal in January.

Former Sporting Lisbon and Olympiakos Piraeus coach Silva, who had signed a contract at Hull until the end of the season, met the club's owners on Wednesday and was expected to quit.

"Marco was offered the opportunity to continue the work he has done in the four-and-a-half months he has been at the KCOM Stadium," Hull said on their website (www.hullcitytigers.com)

"Unfortunately, after considering his future, he has chosen to leave in order to further his career ..."

The Portuguese was reported in British media to have had talks with Porto on Tuesday, after the club parted company with coach Nuno earlier this week, and has also been linked with the vacant jobs at Premier League Watford and Crystal Palace.

Silva guided Hull to six wins from his 18 league games but they were relegated after a 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace on May 14 and finished with a 7-1 home thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur.

Hull said the club would "now undertake a thorough and considered recruitment process to appoint a replacement" as they look for their fourth manager in less than 12 months. (Writing by Ken Ferris; Editing by Alison Williams)