Watford reject Everton's approach for boss Marco Silva as Merseyside outfit ramp up search for new manager

• e-mail

Watford have rejected an approach by Everton for manager Marco Silva.

Everton officials contacted Watford on Monday morning after making the 40-year-old former Hull boss their No 1 choice.

They were met with a strong rejection from Watford, who have seen Silva give them their best start to a top-flight season since the Graham Taylor era. 

Everton were rebuffed in their approach for Watford manager Marco Silva on Monday morning

Everton are still searching for a new permanent manager after Ronald Koeman departed

Silva wants the chance to talk to Everton but does not have a release clause in the two-year deal he signed over the summer. 

That makes striking a deal unlikely and any progression from Everton's point of view hinges on Silva forcing the issue himself or an eye-watering offer Watford could not refuse.

The 40-year-old has been highly praised since arriving in England 11 months ago and his stock continues to arise after a strong start to this season. Silva almost kept Hull City in the Premier League before leaving for Watford, who currently lie ninth.

Before beginning his stint in English football, Silva took Olympiacos to the title in Greece, starting the season in miraculous form with 17 straight league victories.

Even before that, there was trophy success at Sporting Lisbon, and Silva has got plenty of tongues wagging in England.

Over the summer, the Portuguese manager was the subject of interest from Crystal Palace, before the Eagles eventually plumped for Frank de Boer. 

David Unsworth has stepped in as interim boss but has failed to improve things on the pitch

Another of Palace's summer candidates has been considered for the Everton role, with Sean Dyche having been discussed.

Dyche, thought to be keen on talking to Everton, would cost £2.5million in compensation.

The Burnley boss has started the season extremely well at Turf Moor, taking his side to seventh in the table.

Sean Dyche is another candidate, and he is thought to be keen to talk to Everton about the role

Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, is another that Everton are keen on, given his history with saving teams from relegation.

The former England boss has been out of work since his return to club football with Palace, but he has also been heavily linked with the USA job. 

Allardyce would be seen as a short-term solution but is believed to want more of a commitment. Caretaker David Unsworth is likely to take the team for Saturday's game at Crystal Palace.