Watford have rejected an approach by Everton for manager Marco Silva.
Everton officials contacted the Hornets on Monday morning but were met with a strong rejection as their search for Ronald Koeman’s successor continues.
Silva does not have a release clause in the two-year deal he signed over the summer and Watford would be loathed to lose their impressive boss mid-season.
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.